J. Peter Bergman

1 week ago | theberkshireedge.com | J. Peter Bergman

EclipsedBlack Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York in Albany, N.Y.Written by Danai Gurira, directed by Jean-Remy Monnay“You don’t know what’s waiting, little friend.”#4, The Girl, is given every chance to succeed as a kidnapped “wife” in Liberia in 2003 during the second Civil War. She and two of her compatriots now belong to the commander of a LURD rebel army camp with no rights to make any decisions of their own.

1 week ago | theberkshireedge.com | J. Peter Bergman

Mary JaneBridge Street Theatre in Catskill, N.Y.Written by Amy HerzogDirected by Zoya Kachadurian“Dream big, Mommy.”Mary Jane is a young single mother of a son born premature at 25 weeks and four days, afflicted with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder and lung disease. He is only two and a half years old, and the odds of his survival are limited.

3 weeks ago | theberkshireedge.com | J. Peter Bergman

RagtimeGoodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, Conn. Book by Terrence McNallyLyrics by Lynn AhrensMusic by Stephen FlahertyDirected by Christopher D. Betts“Make Them Hear You”“Ragtime” is one of those shows with a story, a moral, a history lesson, and a heart. What director has done brilliantly is open the show’s heart to the audience and let the historical story overwhelm the dramatic fiction. It is a beautiful and moving experience in musical terms and dramatic themes.

3 weeks ago | theberkshireedge.com | J. Peter Bergman

This Place. These Hills. Mixed Company Theatre in Great BarringtonWritten and directed by Joan Ackerman“Richard Redux”Joan Ackerman’s quartet of plays are fascinating studies of our region and its people. Played by a company of familiar names, faces, and voices, the evening is a splendid example of her work, her place in the community, and her understanding of the way things work in the Berkshires.

1 month ago | theberkshireedge.com | J. Peter Bergman

Twelve Angry JurorsBennington Theater in Bennington, Vt.Based on the 1954 teleplay by Reginald RoseDirected by David Dubov-Flinn“I don’t presume it’s as simple as A-B-C.”A guard opens a jury deliberation room and escorts in 12 nervous people who have just sat through a six-week murder trial. They are to deliberate, vote, and come up with a verdict—the right verdict. An initial vote brings them 11 in favor of conviction and one opposed.