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Berkshire Performances: Tanglewood, Theater and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival

Program Number: 14963RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/1/2013 - 7/6/2013; 7/15/2013 - 7/20/2013; 7/22/2013 - 7/27/2013; 7/29/2013 - 8/3/2013; 8/5/2013 - 8/10/2013; 8/19/2013 - 8/24/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Price starting at: $1,435.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Multi-Topic; Music Appreciation; Theater Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free; Low Fat; Low Salt    

Activity Particulars

Minimal walking and standing.




Date Specific Information

7-22-2013

Please know that the L-E-V Dance Company performance at Jacob’s Pillow on Wed. July 24 of this date includes adult content.



Coordinated by Berkshire Community College.



The Tanglewood Gem

Relish an expansive, diverse Tanglewood experience at this renowned summer music festival site. Attend a closed BSO rehearsal, visit the beautiful grounds, hear from renowned music professionals, and attend a concert in either the Shed or Ozawa Hall.



A Taste Of Berkshire Summer Theater

Thoroughly study and examine a play's themes, characterizations and techniques and view it at a renowned Berkshire theater: Barrington Stage Co., Berkshire Theatre Festival, Colonial Theatre, Shakespeare & Co., or Williamstown Theater Festival.



Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival

"The hub and mecca of dancing in North America," the Pillow invites you to celebrate contemporary dance. Build your appreciation and knowledge with the help of a dancer/choreographer teacher, a scenic site visit, and two performances that evening.




Pittsfield

Located in the heart of Berkshire County, Pittsfield is rich with the area’s intellectual and cultural offerings, from the many music and dance festivals, to its own vibrant downtown arts community.
Accommodations
In the heart of the Berkshire Hills, this 3-star hotel is an easy drive to museums, summer theatres, and Tanglewood.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Paul Flaum
A teacher for more than two decades in New York public schools, Paul Flaum loves sharing his passion for symphonic music and opera with Road Scholar participants. As an avid volunteer with the Boston Symphony Association, Paul has served as an usher for the past 28 years at Tanglewood. He is the former president of the New York State Council for Social Studies and is the retired Superintendent of Schools in Smithtown, N.Y.
 
Teresa Neff
Since 2007, Teresa Neff has looked forward to spending time each summer as an instructor with Road Scholar. Teresa received her Ph.D. in musicology from Boston University, and has focused her research around Gottfried van Swieten, a late 18th century Viennese patron, composer, librettist. Theresa teaches at MIT and the Boston Conservancy, and since 2010, has been the Historically-Informed-Performance Fellow with the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston.
 
Andrea Borak
Andrea Borak is a certified Laban Movement Analyst and a certified Trager Practitioner. While working in New York, she performed with the Eleo Pomare Dance Company and the Phyllis Lamhut Dance Company, and served as the movement specialist at The Little Red School House. Andrea has taught dance at numerous schools including NYU, and since relocating to the Berkshires in 1998, has taught at the Albany/Berkshire Ballet, the Pittsfield public schools and Berkshire Community College.
 
J. Bergman
J. Peter Bergman has been a theater critic since 1960 when he first published in the Nine Times, a local weekly newspaper in Bayside, Queens, NYC. Since then, he has written for many publications and news media including CBS TV News, The Artful Mind and The Independent, and now as the principal theater critic for the Advocate. As playwright, actor and director he has been involved with more than 60 productions, and serves as the executive director of The Edna St. Vincent Millay Society.
 
Laura Wetzler
Laura Wetzler began working as a musician at the age of 15, singing and teaching traditional songs from the Mideast, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. She graduated with honors on a full vocal scholarship from Hofstra University. Laura performs in over 150 concerts and lectures each year and has recorded four CDs broadcast around the world. As a volunteer, Laura co-founded the “Delicious Peace” fair-trade, interfaith, organic coffee project with Ugandan farmers.
 
Lynette Cornwell
Lynette Cornwell has what she considers to be the best job — showing off the Berkshire’s natural beauty and cultural richness, meeting sophisticated travel-learners, and going to performances all summer! A Midwestern girl by upbringing and nature, she has lived from coast to coast and overseas. She taught English and French in Turkey, Germany, and Walpole, Mass. After stints in educational publishing and banking, she worked for 20 years at Berkshire Community College, in noncredit offerings and special events, then as the college’s first director of public relations. Lynette is also a passionate craftsperson, creating purses from hard book covers, and selling them at fairs and on-line.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Crowne Plaza
  Central Berkshires - Pittsfield 5 nights
 Crowne Plaza
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The program's high-rise hotel/conference center is in the heart of downtown Pittsfield, with panoramic views of the Berkshire Hills. Easy walks to Pittsfield's Historic District, Berkshire Museum, Colonial Theatre Restoration Project, library, visitor's center, downtown shops, hair salons, pubs, coffee shops, restaurants, laundries. Poolside restaurant in the hotel.
  Contact info: One West Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201 USA
phone: 413-499-2000
web: www.berkshirecrowne.com
  Room amenities: Alarm Clock, Rooms Air Conditioned, All News Cable Channel, AM/FM Radio, Cable/Satellite TV, Color TV Dataport On Phone, In Room Movies, Modem Connection, Voice Mail, Coffee/Tea Maker, Hairdryer Iron/Ironing Board, Private Bath.
  Facility amenities: Indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, sauna, restaurants, bars. In-room dataports, voice mail, HBO, CD players. Meals and classes in hotel.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Hotel's standard rate. Contact hotel for extending your stay.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Hotel's standard rate. Contact hotel for extending your stay.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 - 5:00 pm hotel check-in followed by Road Scholar orientation at 5:00 pm. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast. Check out by 11:00 am. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free parking on site.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Central Berkshires - Pittsfield
  Nearest highway: Interstate 90 (Mass. Turnpike), Rts 7 & 20
  Nearest airport:  Albany (NY) International, Bradley International (Hartford, CT)
  From End of Program
  Location: Central Berkshires - Pittsfield
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Pittsfield/Hartford-Bradley

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
private drivers
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$95 est. per car, depending on gas prices
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 
 

Distance:

 

90
   

Terry Yon, 413 499 3867. tydy2930@aol.com Sheryl Robbins 413 441 1928 Wayne Barry 413 499 4590. wbarry01@berkshire.rr.com
 

Pittsfield/Albany

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
private drivers
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

85 est. per car trip, depending on gas prices
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hr 
 

Distance:

 

60 mi.
   

Terry Yon, 413 499 3867. tydy2930@aol.com Sheryl Robbins 413 441 1928 Wayne Barry 413 499 4590. wbarry01@berkshire.rr.com
 

Pittsfield/Albany

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Trailways plus Peter Pan
phone: 800-776-7548 x8003439999

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

17.50 total
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

4 hrs 20 mins 
 

Distance:

 

60 mi.
   

As of March 2012 Trailways bus from Albany airport to Albany bus terminal at 12:25pm, arrive Albany bus terminal 1:05pm. Take Peter Pan 3:45pm from there to Pittsfield, arrive Pittsfield 4:45pm.. Albany airport information desk, near baggage claims, has this information plus tickets. 518-242-2299 From Pittsfield bus terminal/train station to Crowne Plaza at 1 West Street is 4 blocks south. Walk, or call Rainbow Taxi, 413-499-4300, or try coordinator Lynette Cornwell, 413-242-4486, for a ride.
 

Pittsfield/Boston

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Peter Pan
phone: 800-343-9999
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

35
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

3.5 hr 
 

Distance:

 

150 mi.
   

As of March 2013. Departure times vary. To schedule, call 800-343-9999. From Pittsfield bus terminal/train station to Crowne Plaza at 1 West Street is 4 blocks south. Walk, or call Rainbow Taxi, 413-499-4300, or try coordinator Lynette Cornwell, 413-442-3529, for a ride.

 

Pittsfield/Boston

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Amtrak See notes below
phone: 800-USA-Rail
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$32 - 15% Sr. discount = $27.20
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

3.5 hrs. 
 

Distance:

 

150 mi.
   

Boston S.Station, 11:55am dep., 3:36pm arr. From Pittsfield bus terminal/train station to Crowne Plaza at 1 West Street is 4 blocks south. Walk, or call Rainbow Taxi, 413-499-4300, or try coordinator Lynette Cornwell, 413-242-4486, for a ride. 1-800-872-7245 or 1-800-USA-RAIL for assistance.
 

Pittsfield/NYC

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Peter Pan
phone: 800-343-9999
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hrs 52 mins 
 

Distance:

 

160 mi.
   

As of March 2013. Departure times vary. To schedule, call 800-343-9999. From Pittsfield bus terminal/train station to Crowne Plaza at 1 West Street is 4 blocks south. Walk, or call Rainbow Taxi, 413-499-4300, or try coordinator Lynette Cornwell, 413-442-3529, for a ride.

 
Driving Directions
  Albany Take I-87 South for 3 miles, to I-90 East for 15 miles, to Exit 11E, Rte 20 East, to Pittsfield, for approximately 25 miles. Once in the center of Pittsfield, make a left on Rte 7. Turn left at next lighted intersection, West Street. The Crowne Plaza will be the tall building on your left.
  Boston I-90 West to Exit 2. Turn right onto Rte 20 West to Rte 7 North, 11.5 miles, into the center of Pittsfield. Once in the center of Pittsfield, make a left on Rte 7. Turn left at next lighted intersection, West Street. The Crowne Plaza will be the tall building on your left.
  Hartford I-91 North to Exit 14 (I-90 West) to Exit 2. Turn right into Rte. 20 West to Rte 7 North, 11.5 miles, into the center of Pittsfield. Turn left at West Street. The Crowne Plaza will be the tall building on your left.
  New Hampshire Rte 495 South to I-90 West to Exit 2. Follow Rte 20 West to Rte 7 North, 11.5 miles, into Pittsfield. Once in the center of Pittsfield, make a left on West Street. The Crowne Plaza will be the tall building on your left.
  New Jersey Garden State Parkway to Taconic State Parkway North to East Chatham, NY. Exit onto Rte. 295 East to Rte 41. Make a left onto Rte 41, follow until you intersect with Rte. 20 East. Make a right onto Rte. 20 East, going 4 miles into the center of Pittsfield. Make a left onto Rte 7 North. Once in the center of Pittsfield, make a left on Rte 7. Turn left at next lighted intersection, West Street. The Crowne Plaza will be the tall building on your left.
  New York City Taconic State Parkway North to East Chatham, NY. Exit onto Rte. 295 East to Rte 41. Make a left onto Rte 41, follow until you intersect with Rte. 20 East. Make a right onto Rte. 20 East, going 4 miles into the center of Pittsfield. Make a left onto Rte 7 North. Turn left at next lighted intersection, West Street. The Crowne Plaza will be the tall building on your left. Est. 150 miles total distance.
  Vermont Rte 7 South to the center of Pittsfield. Turn right onto West Street. The Crowne Plaza will be the tall building on your left.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome and orientation/theatre preparation class
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Afternoon: Welcome and informational orientation at 5 pm.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel at 6 pm.
 Evening: Class, preparing us for the theatrical performance to be seen tomorrow night.
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Berkshire orientation lecture, tour of Edith Wharton's home "The Mount, performance of William Shakespeare's Richard II.
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: The day will begin with a talk about the Berkshires' rich history, after which we will visit author Edith Wharton's summer estate, "The Mount," in Lenox. Her estate is one of the famous Berkshire cottages built by the rich and famous at the turn of the twentieth century. There will be docent led tours of the house, time for some to view the gardens.
 Lunch: Lunch at The Gateway's Inn, Lenox. Built as a summer mansion for Harley Proctor of Proctor and Gamble in 1912, this property was designed by the famed architects of Mead, McKim and White. This Lenox landmark has a long tradition of genteel hospitality.
 Afternoon: Free time in downtown Lenox.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Richard II, Shakespeare & Company, Tina Packer Playhouse, Lenox. How does a state contend with a barbarous ruler who is perceived to be appointed by God? King Richard II has designed the murder of his uncle, wasted public funds, and used the influence of his crown to misrule a nation. Not until Richard banishes Henry Bolingbroke does he create an enemy skeptical of his divine mandate who is intent on constructing his demise.
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: theatre review class, dance performance preparation classes, "Ballet BC" performance at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Class: Review of the play seen last night. Class: Preparation for contemporary dance performance at Jacob's Pillow tonight, by Andrea Borak.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Movie: Men Who Danced, about founding company of Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. Free Time.
 Dinner: We leave the hotel at 4:00 for Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Becket. There will be time to tour the lovely, rustic grounds of this historic site, before dinner under a tent.
 Evening: Inside Out performance at Jacob's Pillow, 6:15 pm. Outdoors, weather permitting. Pre-performance talk at Blake's Barn, Jacob's Pillow, 7:30 pm. Dance performance at Ted Shawn Theatre, Jacob's Pillow, 8:00 pm. BALLET BC From British Columbia, one of today's most exciting contemporary ballet companies performs innovative choreography to music by Mozart, Puccini, Rodgers & Hart, and John Zorn. A whimsical explosion of color and "seriously fun dancing" (Vancouver Sun).
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: BSO Closed Rehearsal at Tanglewood/"Tanglewood Talks and Walks". Evening on own.
(Thursday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: We will have the special privilege of experiencing a Tanglewood closed rehearsal of Boston Symphony Orchestra, 10 am - 12:30 pm, at the Tanglewood Shed in Lenox.
 Lunch: We will walk from the Shed rehearsal to a nearby tent to have our boxed lunches, before the talk in the same location.
 Afternoon: "Talks and Walks" at Tanglewood. to meet a guest musician or Tanglewood staff member. Walking tour of Tanglewood grounds, orienting to options for Friday night performances.
 Dinner: Dinner on own. You will be provided with information about nearby restaurants.
 Evening: Free night. You will be provided with information about the many performance opportunities in the Berkshires.
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Music class on tonight's Tanglewood Concerts. Boston Symphony Orchestra performs Wagner, Liszt, and Beethoven at Tanglewood
(Friday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Class: Preparation for concerts at Tanglewood tonight. Faculty: Laura Wetzler.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel
 Afternoon: Class: Review of Jacob's Pillow performance on Wednesday night.
 Dinner: Boxed supper at Tanglewood or at hotel.
 Evening: Tanglewood Prelude Concert at Ozawa Hall, usually chamber music by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 6 - 7 pm. Tanglewood main concert, at Koussevitskty Music Shed, 8:30 pm. WAGNER - Prelude to Die Meistersinger LISZT - Totentanz, for piano and orchestra BEETHOVEN (orch. MAHLER) - Symphony No. 3, Eroica Vladimir Jurowski, conductor Jean- Yves Thibaudet, piano
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning Check-out
(Saturday, July 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Check out by 11 am.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Central Berkshires - Pittsfield Arrowhead, Home of Herman Melville
Registered National Historic Landmark, where Moby Dick was written. Charming 18th century farmhouse complimented by period furnishings and inspiring natural surroundings. 780 Holmes Road Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-442-1793 For additional information, visit www.mobydick.org
  Berkshire Museum
The area’s only art, history and natural science museum for families. Fine arts galleries, aquarium, dinosaurs and paleontology gallery. Alexander Calder toys and mobiles. 39 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-442-9955 For additional information, visit www.Berkshiremuseum.org
  Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located just one mile from the center of Pittsfield and attracts a variety of birds such as bobolinks, ospreys, and great blue herons at different times of year. Three miles of trails wind through the sanctuary’s scenic woods, fields, and wetlands, and along the edge of the Housatonic River. Keep your eyes open for signs of beavers, otters, and wild turkeys while exploring Canoe Meadows. Holmes Road Pittsfield, MA 413-637-0320 For additional information, visit www.massaudubon.org
  Chesterwood, home and studio of Daniel Chester French
Discover the place that inspired a sculptor to inspire a nation, through sculptures such as Abe Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial and the Minuteman in Concord. Visit the studio, residence, garden, grounds, and galleries. 4 Williamsville Road Stockbridge, MA 01262 413-298-3579 For additional information, visit www.chesterwood.org
  Hancock Shaker Village
Explore twenty historic Shaker buildings set among acres of gardens, far and pasture. Changing exhibitions, activities, tours and presentations of Shaker crafts, music, worship, life offer a variety of experiences. Route 20 Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-817-1137 For additional information, visit www.hancockshakervillage.org
  Mass MoCA
Housed on a beautifully restored 19th century factory campus, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the largest centers for contemporary art in the country. 87 Marshall Street North Adams, MA 01247 413-664-4481 For additional information, visit www.massmoca.org
  Mount Greylock State Reservation
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts. Arriving at the summit by foot-trail or auto road you may see a panorama of five states, visit the Veterans War Memorial Tower , or relax in rustic Bascom Lodge which also offers overnight accommodations and meals. The reservation has over 70 miles of trails including a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail . Rockwell Rd., Lanesborough, MA 413-499-4262 or 413-499-4263
  Naumkeag House & Gardens
An original 1886 Berkshire Country Cottage surrounded by on the most beautiful gardens in America. 5 Prospect Hill Road Stockbridge, MA 01262 413-298-3239 For additional information, visit www.thetrustees.org/naumkeag.cfm
  Pittsfield Visitors Center
A good souce of information on everything happening in the Berkshires and especially in Pittsfield. Pittsfield Visitors Center 121 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-395-0105 For additional information, visit www.berkshires.org
  Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Pleasant Valley’s thriving beaver population is one of the many fascinating features of this sanctuary. When you walk along Yokun Brook, take note of the “lodges” of tree branches and mud, where these nocturnal creatures spend their days. Salamander migrations are a major spring event along West Mountain Road. Seven miles of trails that wind through hardwood forest, meadows, wetlands, and along the slopes of Lenox Mountain make this site an excellent location for hiking. 472 West Mountain Road Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-0320 For additional information, visit www.massaudubon.org
  The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Estate and Gardens
Elegant 1902 mansion and magnificent formal gardens designed by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and authority on architecture, interior design and gardens. (May be included in week's program.) 2 Plunkett Street Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-1899 For additional information, visit www.EdithWharton.org
  Ventfort Hall, Museum of the Gilded Age
An 1893 Gilded Age mansion, built by Sarah and George Morgan. Location of the St. Clouds Orphanage in the Miramax film Cider House Rules. 104 Walker Street Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-3206 For additional information, visit www.gildedage.org
  Williams College Museum of Art
Fourteen galleries, new exhibitions monthly, 12,000 objects emphasizing American, contemporary, modern and non-western art. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive, Suite 2 Williamstown, MA 01267 413-597-2429 For additional information, visit www.wcma.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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