Woodstock and Windsor - in the Middle of Vermont

A ride through Vermont today, and a few views from the middle of the state.  Above, here's the common and town center of Woodstock.

Across from the common is where you drop your letters to Santa.  But not this time of year.  A relic akin to the old hitching post.

Eastward and nestled beside the long Connecticut River (Connecticut actually meaning: long tidal river), is the town of Windsor, where we take advantage of a good day for some spring planting.

Both towns are in Windsor County, both have populations of a bit over 3,000 people, but one thrived in the Industrial Revolution, and the other remained largely agricultural.  Windsor is where those rebellious free thinkers wrote themselves a Constitution, broke off from Mother England, and declared the Republic of Vermont.

We previously covered the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge here, one of the longest covered bridges in the world, where you can slip over to New Hampshire if you want to.  Go ahead, I'll wait.

Revolutionary War Grave - Coventry, Connecticut

In honor of the coming Memorial Day holiday, a lonely windswept hilltop grave in Coventry, Connecticut.  Here lies Major Thomas Brown, who saw action in the Revolutionary War, and survived the conflict.

Leavitt Theatre Silent Movie Series - Ogunquit, Maine

The Leavitt Theatre in Ogunquit, Maine, which we featured in this previous post on my Another Old Movie Blog, will be showing a series of silent films this summer, beginning, June 5, with futuristic sci-fi “Metropolis” (1927), and running through October with  Lon Chaney's “Phantom of the Opera” (1925).


The films will be accompanied by live music by Jeff Rapsis, who specializes in scoring silent films.


Other films include  “The Lost World” (1925), “Peter Pan” (1924), ‘Tarzan and the Golden Lion’ (1927), and tributes to Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd.   For more on this series, have a look at this Seacoast Online article, or the Leavitt Theatre website.

Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry - Storrs, Connecticut

They are the cast in full costume and makeup, standing silent, but ready to perform in an instant.

There is much history of the most beguiling art form of puppetry here at the Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry.  These actors are the progeny of a long heritage stretching through the ages of human expression.

They may take a crude or avant garde form, or they may, as the assembly above, assume the garb of English operetta.  This is the cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, H.M.S. Pinafore.

The Ballard Institute is named for Frank Ballard, one of the most preeminent puppeteers in  America, and professor and founder of the puppet arts program at the University of Connecticut at Storrs in 1965.   UCONN is one of the few schools in the world that offers degrees in puppetry, and has become a mecca for students of this art.

Especially charming are the displays illustrating Professor Ballard's full-scale puppet productions of musical theatre shows.  Here is the Caliph's procession in the "Night of My Nights" scene from Kismet.

The Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry is located at 1 Royce Circle in Storrs, Connecticut.

Have a look here at their website for more information.  Then come out to Storrs and have a look for yourself.

Park Street Church, Boston

 Photo by J.T. Lynch

On the corner of Tremont and Park Street, the Park Street Church is a stop on Boston's Freedom Trail.  It was founded 1809.

 Photo by J.T. Lynch

Until 1846, it was the tallest building in the United States.  Its stature, however, was based on other things:  on Pastor Edward Beecher (brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe) who promoted the ideals of Abolition.  To perhaps the most noted abolitionist of his day, William Lloyd Garrison, who spoke out against slavery here.

Photo by J.T. Lynch

It was here the song "My Country 'Tis of Thee" received its first public performance in 1831. How odd, that such a place of tumultuous thought and deed could now provide a quiet corner of tranquility in this otherwise bustling city.

For more on this historic church and its still active congregation, have a look at their website.

Berkshire Theatre Coming Season - Stockbridge, Massachusetts

This week, a look at the coming season at the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, Massachusetts:

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP: A PENNY DREADFUL by Charles Ludlam directed by Aaron Mark         featuring Bill Bowers and Tom Hewitt at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge Previews June 24-June 27 Press Opening/Opening Night: June 28 Talk Back: June 30 Closing: July 19 Tickets: Preview: $42 A: $62 B: $52 C: $42   Two actors take on eight characters in this classic romp of a gothic spoof. Named one of the best plays of the 20th Century by the New York Times and Time Magazine, Aaron Mark directs Charles Ludlam's campy comedy which tells the pell-mell tale of Lady Enid and Lord Edgar who arrive one stormy night at a haunted and dreary estate to investigate the sudden disappearance of Irma Vep. Sidesplitting antics and mysteries unfold as the two journey from the London manor to the ancient pyramids in Egypt with vampires, werewolves, mummies and more in tow in this satire of Victorian melodrama, Gothic horror and classic films.   A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim book by Hugh Wheeler orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick suggested by a film by Ingmar Bergman originally produced and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince directed by Ethan Heard music direction by Nathan Dame choreography by Sam Pinkleton featuring Kate Baldwin, Gregg Edelman, Penny Fuller, Maureen O'Flynn, and Graham Rowat at The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield Previews June 30-July 4 Press Opening/Opening Night: July 5 at 8pm Talk Back: July 7 Closing: July 19 Tickets: Preview: $50 Tickets: A: $65 B: $45 C: $25 Sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union Stephen Sondheim beloved and award-winning musical, A Little Night Music explores the witty and farcical tale of unexpected liaisons, relentless desire, and ill-fated heartbreak in the life of acclaimed actress, Desiree Armfeldt. One eventful weekend, Desiree, her former beau and his wife, and Desiree's current lover and his wife all arrive at a Swedish country estate. Long-held passions are soon rekindled in this classic waltz of a musical directed by Ethan Heard (who also directed BTG's 2013 hit murder mystery, The Cat and The Canary). Featuring Sondheim's notable show tune, "Send in the Clowns,” A Little Night Music celebrates love and all the foolhardy particulars it entails.    BENEFACTORS by Michael Frayn directed by Eric Hill featuring David Adkins, Corinna May, Barbara Sims, and Walton Wilson  at The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge The Larry Vaber Stage Previews July 9-July 11 Press Opening/Opening Night: July 12 at 8pm Talk Back: July 14 Closing: July 26 Tickets: Preview: $42; A: $48 Directed by Eric Hill, the acrimonious give and take of life sets up the premise for Michael Frayn's (Noises Off and Copenhagen) Tony Award-nominated Benefactors. In 1960s London, visionary architect David struggles to follow his dream of transforming the slums at Basuto Road into affordable mass-housing projects as his firm pressures him to design McMansion-style apartments instead. He and his wife, Jane are also trying to salvage the troubled marriage of their neighbors Colin a former journalist and Shelia, a hopeless romantic and retired nurse. Skillfully examining the fragility of human relationships, Benefactors sketches an intricate portrait of 1960s idealism and the toll political and psychological sacrifice has on hope, friendship, and love.    CEDARS by Erik Tarloff directed by Keira Naughton featuring James Naughton WORLD PREMIERE at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge Previews July 23-July 25 Press Opening/Opening Night: July 26 at 8pm Talk Back: July 28 Closing: August 9 Tickets: Preview: $42 A: $62 B: $52 C: $42 Sponsored by Natalie and Howard Shawn Keira Naughton directs the world premiere of  a one-man play, Cedars, a raw and witty exploration of an estranged father-son relationship. Gabe, a 50-ish defense lawyer, finds himself on the more unfortunate side of life and now, by his father's bedside at Cedars Hospital. His many troubles, some self-induced and others thrust upon him, are quickly revealed as he bares all in unbridled, cathartic conversations with his non-responsive father. A broken marriage, past heartbreak, a dwindling career, family struggles, new relationships, and a slew of mid-life crises take center stage as Gabe tries to find solid ground amid the mess of his world. DESIGN FOR LIVING by Nöel Coward directed by Tom Story featuring Christopher Geary, Tom Pecinka, and Ariana Venturi at The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge The Larry Vaber Stage Previews July 30-August 1 Press Opening/Opening Night: August 2 at 8pm Talk Back: August 4 Closing: August 16 Tickets: Preview: $42 A: $48 Lovers and friends, friends and lovers, what's the difference when it comes to interior designer Gilda, playwright Leo, and artist Otto? That's the same question they ask themselves in Nöel Coward's ultra-sophisticated romantic comedy. Design for Living, directed by Tom Story who began his acting career on BTF's Unicorn Stage, now makes his directorial debut on the same stage. Set in the carefree 1930s, the freewheeling, amoral, modish trio of characters all fall in and out of love with each other and with others while their mutual friend, Ernest tries to be the moral voice of reason. Themes of self-destruction, celebrity, success and outcomes of romantic machinations are explored through this wicked ménage à trois.     A HATFUL OF RAIN by Michael V. Gazzo directed by Greg Naughton at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge Previews August 13-August 15 Press Night/Opening Night August 16 Talk Back: July 28 Closing: August 30 Tickets: Preview: $42; A: $62 B: $52 C: $42 The war fought abroad is just as devastating as the war fought within. This rings devastatingly true for Johnny Pope, a Korean War Veteran who has safely returned home to New York City and now struggles with drug addiction after being heavily medicated during his hospital stay. Greg Naughton, founded and served as Artistic Director of Off-Broadway's Blue Light Theater Company in NYC for six award-winning seasons. He is also James Naughton's son and is making his BTG directorial debut with A Hatful of Rain. He performed at The Colonial Theatre last year with his band, The Sweet Remains. In A Hatful of Rain, Johnny's battle strangles his daily life and slowly deteriorates the relationship between him and his family as he attempts to hide and support his habit. His brother, Polo tries to help but there's only so much he can do. His pregnant wife, Celia is convinced he's having an affair and tries to hold their faltering marriage together while their father's visit only adds to the tumultuous downturn of Johnny's life. Gazzo's raw, insightful and carefully crafted storytelling depict the demise of an embattled soul and raises social consciousness on issues regarding addiction and the cost of war for our veterans.   SEUSSICAL music by Stephen Flaherty lyrics by Lynn Ahrens book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle based on the works of Dr. Seuss directed by Travis G. Daly music direction by Mark Gionfriddo choreography by Kathy Jo Grover 9th Annual Children's Theatre Production at The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield Opens August 7; Closes August 17 Special Note: As a community production, there is no press night for Seussical Tickets: Adult A: $30, Child A: $20, Adult B: $25, Child B: $15 Sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union Seussical is an unforgettable tale of friendship, love, family, and community, The Cat in the Hat narrates a whimsical story of Horton the Elephant who must guard a lonely abandoned egg and protect the Whos from all danger! With flying stunts by the actors, unforgettably fun songs and dance, the musical dives into a fantastic and incredible crazy-quilt adventure exploring the wonderful power of imagination, determination and positive thinking!   A Lover's Tale: Scenes by Giuseppe Verdi, Charles Ludlam and Alexandre Dumas The Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas Camille by Charles Ludlam La Traviata by Giuseppe Verde directed by Dustin Wills operatic direction by Carlos Conde at The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge The Larry Vaber Stage Opens August 23; Closes August 30 Tickets: $30 For one week at The Unicorn Theatre, opera's rising stars perform scenes from the original title piece, Alexandre Dumas' novel The Lady of the Camellias, Giuseppe Verdi's opera La Traviata which was adapted by Dumas' novel, and Charles Ludlam's parody of the novel, Camille.

For more info, have a look at the Berkshire Theatre Group website here.

 

Merrimack Repertory Theatre Upcoming Season - Lowell, Mass.

This week, another New England theater announces its upcoming season: The Merrimack Repertory of Lowell, Massachusetts:

MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2014-2015 SEASON

Seven regional premieres that reflect the

contemporary American human experience.

Lowell, MA - Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) has announced its 2014-2015 Season. The slate of seven plays continues the company's commitment to advancing the cause of the human understanding by creating theatrical productions at the highest level of artistic excellence, as well as its tradition of introducing new works to the area. Each of the plays selected for the upcoming season, the company's 36th, will be a regional or world premiere. Merrimack Repertory Theatre is the only professional theatre in the Merrimack Valley area and continues to serve as a vital cultural, educational, and economic resource for Greater Lowell and its surrounding region.

The announcement was made by Artistic Director Charles Towers and Executive Director Elizabeth Kegley at an event for subscribers in Nancy L. Donahue Theatre in Lowell's Liberty Hall on Monday, March 31. Towers, who has served as MRT's artistic director since 2001, says, "When selecting a season, I am reminded of a principle attributed to Socrates - 'an unexamined life is not worth living.' Thus, our job in the theatre is to fully examine the lives of characters as created by a playwright, thereby giving the audience an opportunity to examine their own lives as reflected against the uniqueness of a fictional other."

 

The 2014-2015 Season at Merrimack Repertory Theatre embodies that principle, presenting characters and families whose relationships, struggles, and joys will be familiar to MRT audiences, with an ultimate goal of that familiarity leading to a deeper understanding of our own lives and compassion for others.

YEAR ZERO

By Michael Golamco

Directed by Kyle Fabel

September 11 - October 5, 2014

Sponsored by Enterprise Bank

All teenagers need someone to talk to. Vuthy has chosen a skull. He is a young Cambodian-American struggling to find his place - in a community that doesn't truly accept him and in a family that seems to be disappearing. A comedic drama about finding a direction and a home.

 

According to Charles Towers, "Year Zero is an appealing story about all our pasts; all of us, who are descendents of immigrants, no matter when they came to American or what country they came from. Still, the specific ethnicity of this particular story makes it especially important to be produced in the city that has the second largest Cambodian-American population in the country." 

The play also presents a unique opportunity for MRT to reach out into the large Cambodian-American community of Lowell. MRT has already begun forming an advisory committee with members of the Cambodian community that will provide cultural perspective for the production.

DUSK RINGS A BELL

By Stephen Belber

Directed by Michael Bloom

October 23 - November 16, 2014

Molly and Ray unexpectedly meet 25 years after their teenage romance. Though their kiss has had a lasting effect on both of them, the memory of their youthful fling is overshadowed by tragic revelations about what has happened in the intervening years.

 

This production will mark the MRT debut of Michael Bloom, who is an Obie Award-winning director who spent the past nine years as artistic director of the Cleveland Play House. Charles Towers responded to the play immediately, "One thing (among many) I like about this play is that it breaks the conventions of most two-person plays in unique ways." The bittersweet play premiered at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York in 2010.

13 THINGS ABOUT ED CARPOLOTTI

Book, Music and Lyrics by Barry Kleinbort

Based on a play by Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by Barry Kleinbort

November 28 - December 21, 2014

Sponsored by Wannalancit Mills/Farley White Interests

Virginia Carpolotti is a devoted widow with loving memories for her recently-deceased husband. Though her love endures, her confidence in him flounders as one shady character after another comes calling for the debt that Ed put in her name, and things really heat up when a mysterious $1 million ransom note appears. A delightful comic musical featuring Tony Award-nominee Penny Fuller.

"I directed Penny Fuller in MRT's production of A Delicate Balance in 2008, in which she gave a brilliant performance," says Towers. "When she sent me this delightful one-woman chamber musical, which was written especially for her, I immediately decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up. Penny is a Tony-nominated actor and this is a rare opportunity to have her on our stage."

THE BEST BROTHERS

By Daniel MacIvor

Directed by Charles Towers

January 8 - February 1, 2015

When Kyle and Hamilton Best's mother dies in a bizarre accident involving a Filipino drag queen, the two brothers try to find common ground - often failing with hilarious results. They bicker over the details of the obituary, Kyle's unfortunate taste in men, and whom Mom loved best - only to find it may very well have been the dog.

 

Playwright Daniel MacIvor has long been considered a Canadian theatre icon and his most recent play, The Best Brothers, further cements that reputation. The comedy was celebrated at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2012 and later went on to a successful run at Toronto's Tarragon Theatre. Towers remarks, "I read this play one morning and sought to get the rights to it that afternoon. It is rare when I laugh out loud reading a play in my living room, so I pay attention when that happens."

OCEANSIDE

By Nick Gandiello

Directed by Melia Bensussen

February 12 - March 8, 2015

World Premiere

Gwen thought she had successfully walked away from her troubled past. But then her ex-husband returns with news of their grown daughter's disappearance and with him come the demons that she sought to erase from her idyllic new life. A powerful new drama that explores complex family dynamics.

 

"Director Melia Bensussen (who directed The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead and Two Jews Walk into a War at MRT) is one of my closest collaborators. She sent me this play by an up-and-coming young playwright who is unsparing in looking at the real drama of troubled lives. I responded immediately to the family situation and to the central question at the heart of the play: can people really change?" says Towers.

OUT OF THE CITY

By Leslie Ayvazian

Directed by Christian Parker

March 19 - April 12, 2015

When two middle-aged married couples take a weekend trip to celebrate a milestone birthday, they find themselves pondering elusive romance and contemplating what comes next. This unorthodox love story proves that rejuvenation can be found at any age.

 

Leslie Ayvazian was loosely inspired by the characters in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream when writing Out of the City. Though there are few direct parallels between the plays, the underlying spirit of the Bard's play remains. As Charles Towers notes, "The countryside does strange things to lovers of any age, and this wry comedy never fails to surprise and delight."

THE OUTGOING TIDE

By Bruce Graham

Directed by Charles Towers

April 23 - May 17, 2015

Sponsored by Circle Health

Tormented by the menacing grip of an aging mind and an uncertain future ahead, one man has a plan - but it is not what his family had in mind. A touching family drama sprinkled with surprising humor that asks what it means to truly love someone.

Playwright Bruce Graham and Charles Towers as director last partnered on Stella and Lou, which was very well-received by MRT audiences in December 2013. Towers remarks, "While The Outgoing Tide still reflects Bruce's unique blend of humor and pathos, the story couldn't be more different from Stella and Lou. The twists, the turns, the deeply recognizable family relationships and, of course, the humor, all combine to carry us to a place where dignity, honesty and humanity take hold and refuse to let go."

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions are now available through the MRT Box Office for the 2014-2015 Season. Subscribers to a seven-play packages receive a 20% discount off single ticket prices and guaranteed same seats throughout the season. Seven-play subscriptions start at just $140 for adults and $126 for seniors. Three-play sampler packages are also available, with a 15% savings off single ticket prices. FlexPass packages are available in increments of 4, 5, 6, or 7 and allow the ultimate in flexibility while still receiving a discount. All subscribers are entitled to the full slate of benefits that includes free even exchanges, and discounts on additional tickets and Young Company tuition. A full list of benefits can be found at www.mrt.org/subscribe.

Subscriptions can be purchased by calling 978-654-4678 or by visiting www.mrt.org/subscribe. Tickets for individual productions go on sale in August.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

Performance Space: The Nancy L. Donahue Theatre

(In Liberty Hall, adjacent to Lowell Memorial Auditorium)

50 E. Merrimack Street

Lowell, MA 01852

Box Office: 978-654-4678