by Mark G. Auerbach
Berkshire Theatre Group’s Lost Lake, winner of Berkshire Theatre Award for “Best Play”. Photo by Emma K. Rithenberg-Ware
The Berkshire Theatre Critics Association presented its 2nd annual Berkshire Theatre Awards on November 6, at Barrington Stage in Pittsfield, MA. The awards, known as “The Berkies” honor and celebrate the excellence and diversity of theatre in the greater Berkshire region. Theatre reporters from regional media that cover The Berkshires, including this reporter as a representative of The Westfield News Group and ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB, nominate productions and performances based upon what they cover in area theatre.
Kristen Van Ginhoven of WAM Theatrew, winner of The Larry Murray Award
The top honors for Best Play go to the Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of David Auburn’s Lost Lake, and a tie between Barrington Stage Company’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company and the Mac-Haydn Theatre’s production of Hello, Dolly! for Best Musical.
Barrington Stage’s Company, tied with Mac-Haydn Theatre’s Hello, Dolly! for Berkshire Theatre Award for Best Musical. Photo by Daniel Rader.
The Larry Murray Award for Community Outreach and Support through Theater went to Kristen van Ginhoven and WAM Theatre for their innovative double philanthropic mission whereby they donate a portion of the box office proceeds of every major production to a non-profit organization that benefits women and girls. Since its founding in 2010, WAM Theatre has donated more than $41,500 to thirteen nonprofit organizations.
The Westfield News Group sponsored the Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of Lost Lake.
For a complete list of 2017 Berkshire Theatre Award Winners: https://berkshireonstage.com/2017/11/06/2017-berkshire-theatre-award-winners-announced/
For more information on the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association: www.berkshirecritics.org
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Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB.
