“Dog People,” a new play by Leigh Strimback, who developed the play at Berkshire Voices, has its world premiere at Great Barrington Public Theater, May 31 to June 16. It’s the story of two people and their two dogs, both rescues, and a chance meeting in a park. Judy Braha directs, and Sheila Bandyopadhyay and Cris Tucci play the dog owners and their dogs. For details: www.greatbarringtonpublictheater.org.
“Beetlejuice,” the Broadway musical adapted from the movie, plays The Bushnell, May 28 through June 2. “Beetlejuice” is directed by Alex Timbers, with an original score by Eddie Perfect, book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, and choreography by Connor Gallagher. The musical was nominated for eight Tony Awards. For details: www.bushnell.org.
The Majestic Theater in West Springfield has announced the summer lineup of music, improv comedy and children’s theater presentations. The Majestic Youth Theater Workshop will be featured in “Snowderella” by Nate Eppler, which will be staged July 5-6. “Curious George – The Golden Meatball” and “The Secret Garden” will be staged as part of the Majestic Children’s Theater Program July 8-31. Improv with the Majesters perform on July 10, 17, 24 and 31, and Aug. 7, 14 and 21. Some of the concerts include: Screaming Orphans on June 14, Father’s Day Live with Dave & Hailey Brinnel on June 16; Whitney Houston & Celine Dion Tribute Starring Michelle Brooks-Thompson on June 23, Center Stage Motown Review on July 11-12, Jimmy Mazz and Patrick Tobin in “Frankie and Dean: One for the Road” on Aug. 8, and A Ray of Elvis on Aug. 16-17. For details: www.majestictheater.com.
The Festival of New Jewish Plays comes to Pittsfield’s Colonial Theatre, Aug. 15-17, courtesy of the Berkshire Theatre Group, Jewish Plays Project, and plays2gather. The festival will feature a developmental reading of Tony-winner Ari’el Stachel’s riveting solo piece “Out of Character”; the premiere of the winner of the JPP’s illustrious 13th annual National Jewish Playwriting Contest; a series of cutting-edge short plays called “OOF! (On One Foot)” crafted by emerging playwrights and next-generation voices; and a chance to meet a Jim Henson three-person puppet in the family-friendly musical workshop production “Library Lion” by the directors of Boston’s Adam Theater. There are artist talks in collaboration with the “Nosh and Knowledge” series of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, which will share insights, experiences and creative processes, offering a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Jewish theater. For details: www.berkshiretheatregroup.org.
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” returns to the Valley, courtesy of K&E Theater, which presents the musical July 25-27 in Easthampton. And, K&E’s 2025 season will include the musical blockbusters “Spring Awakening” and “Sunday in the Park with George.” For details: www.ketg.org.
The Charlemont Reggae Festival returns to the Charlemont Fair Grounds on Aug. 16-17, courtesy of Hawks and Reed in Greenfield. The festival honors Chris Dixson and Ras John. For details: www.hawksandreed.com.
The Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival returns to Hartford for its 37th festival, courtesy of Out Film CT, June 14-22. The majority of films are screened at Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College. For details: www.outfilmct.org.
The Young@Heart Chorus will be headliners at Granfalloon: A Kurt Vonnegut Convergence on June 7, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. For details: granfalloon.indiana.edu/index.html.
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, the 2022 Grammy-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, will perform at Springfield’s 52 Sumner, on May 28, as a benefit for the new non-profit performance space. Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Ingram has been nominated for 10 Blues Music Awards, and won them all. For details: 52sumner.com.
Betsy Rose, the California-based folk singer and songwriter who got her start in Western Massachusetts, returns home with a series of performances. She’ll perform May 25 at the institute for Musical Arts in Goshen, and May 27 at Water Street Barn in Shelburne Falls. For details: www.betsyrosemusic.org.
Artists’ Day of Connection: Fostering Collaboration & Partnerships, an ArtsHub of Western Massachusetts event dedicated to connecting artists and creatives from any discipline, takes place June 1 at Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity in Florence. The day will include a panel discussion, presentations by artists and New England Foundation of the Arts staff, and networking. For details: www.umass.edu/aes/artshub.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theater at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts “ArtsBeat,” “Athenaeum Spotlight” and “On the Mark” for WCPC, Channel 15 in Westfield, and WSKB 89.5 FM. His “Arts Beat” column appears Mondays in The Westfield News. He’s a regular contributor to Pioneer Valley Radio and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.
