Back indoors with ‘all the bells and whistles that make it all magic’

BERKSHIRE THEATRE GROUP

83 Main St., Stockbridge 413-997-4444, berkshiretheatre.org

After two summers of outdoor theater productions, Berkshire Theatre Group is bringing all of its programming indoors.

“We had a good time under the tents, but it’s not the same as being indoors, in the theater spaces, with all the bells and whistles that make it all magic,” Berkshire Theatre Group Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire said while announcing the season.

Performances will take place at the Colonial and Unicorn theatres, but the 314-seat Fitzpatrick Main Stage will remain dark this summer, allowing for the enhancement of the historic Fitzpatrick Playhouse’s HVAC system.

Colonial Concert Series featuring Broadway Luminaries

Saturday, May 28: Tony Award nominee Tony Yazbeck. Since his Broadway debut as a newsboy in the 1989 revival of “Gypsy,” quintessential songand-dance man Tony Yazbeck has continued to land coveted roles and garner critical acclaim, including a Tony Award nomination for the leading role in “On the Town” (2014). $50. 7 p.m.

Legendary Tony Award-winner Chita Rivera performs at the Colonial Theatre on July 31.

PHOTO BY LAURA MARIE DUNCAN

Saturday, July 30: “Smokey & Me: A Celebration of Smokey Robinson” featuring Tony Award nominee, Charl Brown. $59. 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 31: “Chita: The Rhythm of My Life” featuring Tony Award winner Chita Rivera. Come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera in a unique concert event! The incomparable two-time Tony Award winner will recreate signature moments from her legendary career from “West Side Story,” “Sweet Charity” and “Bye Bye Birdie” to “Chicago,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “The Visit” and more. $75 and up. 2 p.m.

Special Events

Saturday, June 4: Colin Mochrie presents HYPROV with Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci. From the brilliant minds of improv and comedy legend Colin Mochrie and master hypnotist, Asad Mecci comes a brand new, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, side-splitting show! Hypnosis and improv, two art forms that have mystified and entertained fans, skeptics and everyone in between for decades worldwide, come together. Two masters of their crafts unite for a totally unique comedy experience. $60. 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 17: The Black Legacy Project Premiere Film Screening, 7:30 p.m.

Onstage

Colonial Theatre

111 South St., Pittsfield

July 1-July 16: “Once the Musical.” Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical, “Once” tells the story of a guy who gave up on love and music and the girl who inspired him to dream again. $75-$90, $37.50 teens. $60 previews, July 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. $15 sensory-friendly show, July 12 at 7 p.m.

Aug. 11-Aug. 27: “Dracula.”

Berkshire Theatre Group

Based on Bram Stoker’s world-famous novel, this classic gothic horror story first introduced the legendary Dracula to the stage. $65-$80, $25 teens. $60 previews, Aug. 11 and 12 at 7 p.m.

Unicorn Theatre

6 East St., Stockbridge

June 23-July 9: “B.R.O.K.E.N code B.I.R.D switching.”

After unbearable loss, a grieving attorney takes a pro bono case representing a black teenager accused of murder. When an alluring stranger steps in to help, she is left questioning who she is and what she wants. While fighting for the young man’s innocence, she is forced to confront the devastating truth about marriage, race and the woman she has chosen to be. “

B.R.O.K.E.N code B.I.R.D switching” is a play about the choices we make and the unspoken lies we tell ourselves to make peace with those choices. $56. $45 previews, June 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. $15 sensory-friendly show, July 5 at 7 p.m.

July 21-Aug. 20: “Songs For A New World.” With a small, powerhouse, multi-ethnic cast and a driving, exquisitely-crafted score that runs the gamut of today’s popular music, “Songs for a New World” brings us face to face with those moments in life when everything seems perfect and then goes sideways. $75. $45 previews, July 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. $15 sensory-friendly show, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m.

Sept. 29- Oct. 23: Edward Albee’s “Seascape.” Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, “Seascape” brings true eloquence to its compelling yet subtle examination of the very meaning and significance of life itself. $52. $45 previews, Sept. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. $15 sensory-friendly show, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

Tony Award-nominated song-and-dance man Tony Yazbeck performs at the Colonial on May 28.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BERKSHIRE THEATRE GROUP