Regional NewsBarrington Stage Company to Offer South Pacific Concert, Starring Alexandra Silber and Nicholas RodriguezThe Massachusetts theatre has revamped its 2020 season to follow guidelines in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
By
Dan Meyer
April 28, 2020
Alexandra Silber
Santiago Felipe
Barrington Stage Company has pushed its 2020 summer season, including South Pacific, The Great Leap, and Ain’t Misbehavin’, to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In its place, the Massachusetts theatre will present South Pacific: In Concert (August 21-23) at a to-be-announced outdoor venue in Pittsfield, with plans to maintain all health and safety guidelines. The performance will star Alexandra Silber (Fiddler on the Roof) as Ensign Nellie Forbush, Nicholas Rodriguez (Disney’s Tarzan) as Emile de Becque, Jordan Craig (The Phantom of the Opera) as Lt. Joseph Cable, Cindy Chang (NBC’s Chicago Fire) as Bloody Mary, and Mitch Jarvis (Rock of Ages) as Luther Billis. The cast is rounded out with Gordon Stanley as Captain George Brackett, Meguni Nakamura as Liat, John Preator as Cmdr. William Harbison/Ensemble, Danny Lindgren as Stewpot/Ensemble, and Matt Bauman as Professor/Ensemble.
In addition to the outdoor concert, BSC has announced three shows for a modified Main Stage theatre, which has been reduced to 163 of its 520 seats to follow social distancing guidelines by removing rows and spacing out its seating plan. Up first will be David Cale’s Harry Clarke (August 5-16), followed by the 10x10 New Play Festival (September 10-20). Arthur Miller’s The Price will be presented as originally scheduled, October 1–18.
To maintain safety, staff will perform a deep cleaning of the theatre after every performance and theatregoers will be required to wear masks until further notice. The company will follow all of Actors' Equity Association's health and safety standards.
“There is a human need to tell and listen to stories and to think, feel and share in a collective group experience that live theatre uniquely provides,” said BSC Artistic Director Julianne Boyd. “We are proud that, given the extensive precautions and preventative measures we have implemented, when it is safe to gather again, we will be there for the Berkshire community.”
The Mainstage will also host BSC’s Monday Night Concert Series, featuring the jazz and cabaret singer Marilyn Maye (August 24), and singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway performing The Linda Ronstadt Songbook, with Billy Stritch at the piano (August 31).
On September 5, the Mainstage will host a reading of Eleanor, a new one-woman play about the life of Eleanor Roosevelt by BSC Associate Artist Mark St. Germain, starring Tony winner Harriet Harris (Thoroughly Modern Millie).
The St. Germain Theatre and Mr. Finn’s Cabaret will remain closed for the season and the Musical Theatre Conservatory, scheduled to run from May 26-August 1, has been canceled. The Gala has been postponed to a later date to be announced.
"Check, check 1, 2, 3.” It’s very important that Aaron Tveit’s microphone is just right so we don’t miss a moment of that glorious voice!.
There are a few wigs in this show, including this blonde beauty that our hair supervisor, Alex has styled for our Amy, Lauren Marcus.
Some of us style our own hair, including the fabulous Kate Loprest in her “showveralls." What a tease!!!.
Welcome to the 70’s. Peter Reardon getting his coiffure ready.
Buddies also make sure their friends' collars are folded down correctly. How sweet are Lawrence E. Street and James Ludwig.
Well, now it’s time for me to sit down and do my own hair. Tease, bump, spritz, “finishing [with] the hat."
"Final departure call for Company. Will all the passengers who have not gone to places please do so."
Paul Schaefer’s pre-show ritual since Phantom of the Opera is standing backstage before the show to listen to the crowd and feel the stage beneath him. This helps him get out any jitters and step onstage feeling grounded.
Music Director, Dan Pardo, gives us our first downbeat.
Stage managers Anthony Bullock and Samantha Brown make sure we have all the props we need, especially the drinking glasses. These characters sure do drink a lot!
Lauren Marcus reviewing her words before heading on stage as the speed-singing Amy.
Our crew is prepped and ready for the quick change during “Side by Side.”
The work never ends. Here’s Jeannette Bayardelle in her dressing room during intermission prepping to tape an audition!
I love it when friends come to see us in the Berkshires! Today’s special treat was snagging a quick visit with my beautiful friend, Kelley Curran (most recently seen in Present Laughter).
And here we go again! Looks like everyone decided to return for the second show!
Lawrence E. Street is breathing through the pain as he rolls out those IT Bands.
Jane Pfitsch warms up her headstands.
My dressing roomie, Nora Schell is enjoying her La Croix. We have the same favorite flavor-pamplemousse!
My other dressing roomie, Rebecca Kuznick, puts some final touches on her makeup.
Ellen Harvey is ready to attack show number 2!
Our band is warmed up and ready.
An actor prepares...
…or an actor plays poker with his buddy, Joe Spieldenner.
Our reusable water bottle station. The Broadway Green Alliance will be so proud!
Now an actor prepares
Left over opening night cake before show one and after show two. This photo does not accurately depict how GIANT this cake is!
Aaron greeting our incredible audience after the show. Our first two show day is complete!
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.
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