Monday, July 11, 2011

"The Who's Tommy" triumphs in the Berkshires!

This year has been such an important one for the Berkshire Theatre Festival as we organized our merger with the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, MA and evolved into the Berkshire Theatre Group.  Our first production on the beautiful Colonial stage is "The Who's Tommy", the legendary rock opera starring Randy Harrison as Tommy.


With a talented and exciting cast headlined by Randy, James Barry, Jenny Powers, Christopher Gurr, and Angela Robinson, the show is spectacular and a definitive version of the iconic rock opera.  The critics agree...

Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2011/07/11/this_tommy_lives_up_to_the_whos_pioneering_legend/


THIS ‘TOMMY’ LIVES UP TO THE WHO’S PIONEERING LEGEND

While it is (a charismatic) Harrison who gives “The Who’s Tommy’’ its center and its soul, he is ably supported by the rest of the cast. As Captain Walker, James Barry (“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson’’) maintains a trace of ambiguity amid flashes of malevolence. Jenny Powers subtly conveys the complicated essence of Mrs. Walker, an alternately loving, selfish, and guilt-stricken figure.”

Berkshire on Stage: http://berkshireonstage.com/2011/07/10/randy-harrison-rocks-the-berks-in-the-whos-tommy-at-colonial/

RANDY HARRISON ROCKS THE BERKS IN THE WHO’S “TOMMY” AT COLONIAL

“(Harrison) was a brilliant male ingenue in QAF, but his work as a mature actor on stage is actually more riveting. He has earned his bona fides as a master of drama, comedy and musicals, and with this role, he can add rock star to his resume. "

Berkshire Fine Arts: http://www.berkshirefinearts.com/07-10-2011_randy-harrison-sizzles-as-tommy.htm

RANDY HARRISON SIZZLES AS TOMMY

“Randy Harrison, for the past several years the ace of the Berkshire Theatre Festival, left it all on the floor, in a production that was built around him musical brick by brick.”

The Countess is so proud to be a part of this historic production.  It was a great moment to stand up in the audience on opening night as a member of the Board of Trustees who engineered this merger.  As The Boston Globe says, "Thanks to merger, more shows will go on in Berkshires."

Before the opening night performance, I was honored to be the chairperson for the Benefit Dinner.  The Principessa and I got all dolled up for the occasion...



There was a fun after party under a tent in the adjacent parking lot where our favorite New York City DJ, Brian Belukha, had the crowd up dancing...



Then the theme for the after-after party in the Paint Shop Barn was 'Tommy', of course, so The Countess went as the ACID QUEEN ON ACID.  The traditional Knighting Ceremony was held...



And I might have cut a rug or two....



Finally ended the night at 4 am.  A night I will never forget!!

"The Who's Tommy" is only running until this Saturday, July 16th.  Don't miss it !!!!
Countess Bedelia 7/11/2011 04:31:00 PM | 0 comments |