Opportunities abound to introduce your kids to the theater about in the Berkshires, especially in the summer. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite Berkshire family theater productions below:
June 19 - July 13: "Into the Woods," the much-loved Tony-Award winning musical featuring a childless baker and his wife who endeavor to lift their family curse by journeying into the woods where they encounter Rapunzel and her mother, Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood and other classic fairy tale characters. Their stories become entangled in unexpected ways – revealing what happens after “happily ever after.” The wickedly witty score weaves a magical spell, warning “be careful what you wish for.” (Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theater.) $15-$75. BSC Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union St., Pittsfield. barringtonstageco.org.
July 24 - August 10: Ragtag Theatre’s "Hansel and Gretel," Ragtag Theatre Company (creators of the smash hits "Cinderella" and "Rapunzel") is creating a hilarious, interactive, fractured musical version of the well-known fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, featuring the Youth Theatre Company. $10 general admission. Performed at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South St, Pittsfield. barringtonstageco.org.
August 1 - 17: "Shrek the Musical," based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure telling the story of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. $25 - $45. Colonial Theatre, 111 South St, Pittsfield. berkshiretheatregroup.org.
July 12, 17, 18: "Little Shop of Horrors," floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant which promises unending fame and fortune to Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers the plants out of this world origins and intent towards global domination. (Recommended for children ages 10 and up) $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors. Spectrum Playhouse, 20 Franklin St, Lee. spectrumplayhouse.org.
July 25 -27: "The Giver," adapted from the award-winning book by Lois Lowry. Free. First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street (Rt. 2) in Williamstown. starlightstageyouththeatre.com.
Aug. 11-14: "Summer Soldier," seventh-grader Sam has kept to herself since her dad died while serving in the military. Her mother and her aunt have tried everything to get her to open up, but she only truly comes out of her shell around a fire, telling ghost stories, in the woods with her friends. When Sam’s favorite story suddenly materializes before her eyes, she sets out on an adventure and, ultimately, on a journey of self-discovery. This free and family-friendly world premiere by Boo Killebrew, with music by Heather Christian, lyrics by Lucy Thurber, additional music by Christine Bile, and directed by Jenna Worsham, tells the story of one unforgettable summer in the Berkshires. Free; reservations required. WTF Main Stage, 1000 Main St., Williamstown. wtfestival.org.
