Press Releases:

• Auction Winner Barb Hassan, December 29, 2007
• Colonial Year in Review, December 20, 2007
• Berkshire Bank Lobby Dedication, November 15, 2007
• James Taylor CD/DVD Release, October 30, 2007
• Hamburg Steinway, September 6, 2007
• Colonial’s One Year Anniversary, August 30, 2007
• New Board Members, August 22, 2007
• 2007 Gala, August 9, 2007

For Release: December 29, 2007

Local Realtor, Barb Davis-Hassan, is Highest Bidder in Colonial Auction

Pittsfield, MA –Do I hear $500? $1,500? $2,500? If you were at the Colonial for the James Taylor DVD Release Party on November 30, this may sound a bit familiar. After the closing credits of the James Taylor DVD, Executive Director David Fleming appeared from backstage with a shiny new Yamaha guitar signed by, the one and only, James Taylor during his residency at the Colonial filming his One Man Band DVD. The bidding started at $400 and was “won” by the highest bidder, local realtor Barb Davis-Hassan, for just over $3,100.

“The Colonial Theatre depends upon contributed support for about 40% of its annual revenue. A great gift like this from such an enthusiastic supporter certainly helps in many ways,” says Colonial Executive Director David Fleming.

Barb's sister, Susan Davis Warren, is a musician and a huge James Taylor fan. Her profession is a Music Therapist for children with Autism and neurological impairments. A few years ago, Susan helped plan a huge surprise 50th Birthday for Barb that was Elvis themed and even included an Elvis impersonator, as Barb is a lifelong fan of "the King". When asked what she wanted special in return for her 50th, Susan suggested "a duet and coffee with James Taylor." The signed guitar is a step towards paying her back for the party, and in recognition of the tremendous work she does for a living.

“Susan has always given 100% + in everything she does in life.  She's goes the extra mile to send a hand written note for every occasion large and small. Her thoughtfulness is so deep and she is so unselfish in her life's work with children with Autism. I wanted to do something special in the form of a gift with special meaning. I know she was just kidding when she spontaneously mentions James Taylor as part of her 50th birthday wishes which is 8 years down the road, but I'm out on a mission to get as close as possible to making her dreams come true. The Colonial Theatre, James Taylor and Susan Davis Warren are all true treasures in that they all give in special ways to fill our hearts with moments that stay with us forever.  I am truly grateful to be blessed with the opportunity to give something back.”

www.BarbHassanRealty.com

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For Immediate Release: December 20, 2007

THE COLONIAL THEATRE CLOSES OUT ITS FIRST FULL YEAR OF OPERATIONS

Pittsfield, MA –December 31st will mark the end of the first full year of operations for the restored Colonial Theatre. In 2007, more than 55,000 people experienced over 167 diverse events at their hometown theatre in downtown Pittsfield.

Over 58 performances drew approximately 31,000 audience members with 22 performances at or near capacity. More than 50 community groups rented the theater and drew over 20,000 patrons. Approximately 1,000 people learned about the theater’s rich history with three public tours per month, and about 650 people attended various workshops, press conferences, meetings and open rehearsals.

The Colonial’s patron base has grown from 12,500 to 20,750. Over 50 local businesses have supported the theater as sponsors and/or business partners. Web-based ticket sales account for 1/8 of all orders.

“With less than a full season and a half under our belts we have successfully established The Colonial Theatre as a popular entertainment venue here in the Berkshires. We’ve learned much about what does and does not appeal to our audiences and are making future plans accordingly. Among the most gratifying things that have occurred during our start-up period has been the discovery of the many ways in which we can work closely with community organizations to make the arts and entertainment a more important part of the lives of people who had not expected to embrace a new theater in their midst,” says David Fleming, Colonial Executive Director.

The economic impact predicted for the Colonial appears to have been underestimated. Ticket income has exceeded budgeted goals, and the theater has gained great exposure on the regional level as a performing arts center. Over the past year and a half of programming, the Colonial has drawn 80% of its patron base from Berkshire County and 50% from Pittsfield. After seeing the success of international programming, musicals, comedy, world-class musicians and family programs, the Colonial will continue to program to its devoted local patron base, branch out into new markets and performance genres, and deliver top quality entertainment in downtown Pittsfield.

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For Immediate Release: November 15, 2007

The Colonial Theatre and Berkshire Bank
announce the dedication of the Berkshire Bank Lobby

Pittsfield, MA –The Colonial Theatre will officially name and dedicate its lobby as The Berkshire Bank Lobby on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 10:30am at The Colonial Theatre.

The Colonial Theatre was restored to its Gilded Age magnificence and its modern day practicality as a performance center through broad community support. Leading that private support was an extremely generous multi-year pledge of $500,000 from the Berkshire Bank Foundation.

“It gives The Colonial Theatre great pleasure to officially name the lobby of the theater The Berkshire Bank Lobby in recognition of the leadership pledge Berkshire Bank made several years ago at a crucial point in the process of fundraising for the restoration. It is our hope that this important recognition will be a source of pride and inspiration to community members for many years to come,” says David Fleming, Colonial Theatre Executive Director.

Michael P. Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Bank and the Bank’s Foundation stated, “We are very excited to be a part of this wonderful project. It is a tremendous example of what can be accomplished when people work together for the common good. To have this honor bestowed upon the Bank is something that Berkshire Bank and our employees can be proud of.”

The Berkshire Bank Foundation annually makes approximately $1.8 million in donations to non-profit organizations in its four market regions.  Its mission is to strengthen the communities the Bank does business in and improve the quality of life for those who live in them.  Its priority areas are educational and community development projects.

The renovation period of The Colonial Theatre began with design work in 2003, followed by the beginning of construction in the spring of 2004. The project came to completion in August of 2006 and the theatre opened on August 29, 2006 with Broadway’s smash hit musical RENT. People came from miles around to see the newly restored theater—and Broadway in downtown Pittsfield! During the first year, more than 64,000 people attended 200+ diverse events held at the Colonial.

Funding for the renovation came from City, State and Federal Grants (roughly $7 million), New Market and Historic Tax Credits ($7.5 million), and the last $7 million from individual, corporate and foundation contributions—the vast majority of which were from Berkshire County year-round and seasonal residents.

A great deal of painstaking research was done on designs and original paint colors by Evergreene Studios in New York. Evergreene is one of the premier historic restoration firms in the US. Their “restoration windows” opened up dozens of areas in the theater and worked down through the layers of paint to the first application on the original plaster walls and decorated plaster details. The colors used in the restoration are faithful, to the greatest extent possible, to that which was either found in-place or which was described in written accounts from the opening period in 1903. Historic preservations grants have been predicated on the authenticity of this research.

The Berkshires has an abundance of world-class arts and entertainment primarily during the summer months and an insufficient number of venues to accommodate all who want to perform and attend. The Colonial Theatre intends to augment the existing venues during the summer months to be a performance space for many of the local professional and amateur arts organizations. But the primary contribution to the region’s cultural mix will be during the September through May period during which the Colonial will present a full schedule of programs designed to meet cultural, entertainment and educational needs of Berkshire residents. The goal of the Colonial is to be eclectic enough in our programming to offer something for all tastes and all ages.

Colonial Theatre Project Costs
$1,911,931                Acquisition of The Colonial Theatre and Berkshire Auto Building
$13,864,070            Construction costs and contingency
$4,577,048               Soft Costs
$1,237,545               Pre-2005 operating expenses
$21,590,594         Project Cost Total

Fundraising Update
The economic impact predicted for the Colonial Theatre appears to have been underestimated. The Colonial’s programs have been widely successful, as has the performances by community groups. Ticket income has exceeded budgeted goals, and the Colonial has gained great exposure on the regional level as a performing arts center. Despite all this success, the Colonial still needs help from private donations to raise the balance of the money needed to complete the restoration of the theater. Similarly, approximately $300,000 still must be raised by December 31, 2007 to complete the first full year’s budget for theater operations. A direct appeal for this support is currently being made throughout the Berkshires.

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For Immediate Release: October 30, 2007

James Taylor CD/DVD on Sale at the Colonial
New CD/DVD Set Features Live Recordings of Taylor's Greatest Hits

Pittsfield, MA –– HEAR MUSIC announced on August 13th the release of James Taylor’s “One Man Band,” a new CD/DVD set of live recordings and the stories behind the songs. The CD/DVD set retails for $25.95 (includes tax) and can be purchased in person at The Colonial Theatre Ticket Office Monday-Friday 10-5, by calling (413) 997-4444 or 24/7 online at www.thecolonialtheatre.org. The release date for the CD/DVD set is November 13th, 2007. Pre-orders are being taken now.

“Full summer in the dear, lovely Berkshire hills. Mossy and green and abundant with that flinty New England resolve, to weather the test of the winter to come. It’s a time for music. Tanglewood is here, the summer home of the Boston Symphony. That’s what brought me here in the beginning. It was a place to play, a yearly stop on the summer tour for me and my band. The last time I toured solo was in the late ‘70s. That’s how I started out, just the guitar and a handful of songs. As time went by, I added other musicians because it’s great playing in a big band. But from time to time, it’s good to go back to the well. It’s good to get back to basics and to present the songs in their original form. So it’s been in my mind for a while to work small again. The Colonial Theatre in my hometown of Pittsfield, Massachusetts just managed to escape the wrecking ball. There are small community theaters all over the country that have been saved at the eleventh hour by the very communities they serve. People have invested time, money, and themselves resurrecting the old girl. And along the way, they have found a new sense of belonging: a sense of place; a place called home. When we were given the change to film and record this One Man Band thing, I knew at once that The Colonial would be the right place. If you travel for a living, and you do it for a long enough time, you can get so good at it that you never really have a home. I’ve lived and worked in New York and Los Angeles, London and Paris, Sydney and Rio. Kim has traveled the world too. But the Berkshires are our home at last. And somehow The Colonial Theatre, that plucky survivor, is at the heart of the place.” – James Taylor (excerpt from CD/DVD)

The set list was drawn from Taylor’s recent concerts at The Colonial Theatre and features new performances of some of the iconic singer/songwriter’s most beloved songs including “Something in the Way,” “Carolina in my Mind” and “Fire and Rain,” interspersed with Taylor’s insightful and humorous anecdotes on the inspiration for the songs.

“This set is an intimate retrospective of 40 years worth of songs and the people, places and events that inspired them,” said Taylor.

For the DVD portion of “One Man Band,” Taylor called on veteran television events producer and director Don Mischer (Kennedy Center Honors and Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show with Prince) and executive producer and acclaimed filmmaker Sydney Pollack (Out of Africa and Sketches of Frank Gehry) and their extensive talents to properly capture the feel of the live concerts. “One Man Band” tells the story of Taylor’s songs through exclusive interviews and rare multi-media footage, including home movies and photographs from Taylor’s personal archives. The result is an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind portrait of an artist, his renowned repertoire and the personal stories behind the songs.

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For Immediate Release: September 6, 2007

THE COLONIAL THEATRE ACQUIRES 1894 HAMBURG STEINWAY, MODEL D

Pittsfield, MA –The Colonial Theatre is excited to announce the arrival this week of its concert grand piano. The piano is being leased but the Colonial has the option to buy it if sufficient funds can be raised to do so. The instrument is a completely restored nine foot Steinway, Model D that was originally built in 1894, during the “Guilded Age” of Steinway in Hamburg, Germany and just nine years before the Colonial Theatre opened its doors.

The complete piano restoration was commissioned by Flynn Pianos, LLC owned by Terry Flynn and his partner Kim Muller of Freiburg, Germany. Flynn Pianos, out of New Fairfield, CT provides a full range of piano services, from consultation, tuning and repairs, to restoration and sales. Kim Muller completed the masters degree program (Klavierbaumeister) while working for Steinway's Hamburg factory and is now an independent consultant and restorer who now works as Terry’s business partner and with Klavierhaus (German for “keyboard house”) in New York City. Klavierhaus has supplied pianos for Lincoln Center, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to name a few. The two firms worked together to restore the 9’ Hamburg Steinway with a team of twelve professionals from Klavierhaus.

On Friday, April 13th, 2007 Andre Watts performed at the Mahaiwe Theater on an 1895 Hamburg Steinway, Model D supplied by Flynn. Flynn recalls walking up the aisle after the performance and overhearing a group of people talking about how much they liked the piano, and how to get in touch with the owner. Flynn introduced himself to the group that included Colonial Executive Director Dave Fleming.

Following numerous conversations, the Colonial Theatre engaged Flynn to commence the restoration of an 1894 Hamburg Steinway, Model D specifically for the Colonial. A lease/purchase agreement was executed with the immediate goal of solving the Colonial’s current need for a high quality concert instrument and eventual goal of this piano becoming the Colonial’s “signature” instrument. The Colonial hopes to have this piano be one of the major reasons why artists of note and audiences of discretion will chose the Colonial for future concerts. The restoration of the instrument was completed ahead of schedule, after many months of work, and was delivered on Tuesday.

Plans are being formed to build a series of annual concerts around the piano. The Colonial has begun its affiliation with Young Concert Artists this season with this specifically in mind. Through YCA, the Colonial will be able to distinguish itself with a series of superb recitals by young artists at the start of promising careers. Their age and prowess are expected to attract younger audiences in addition to the very experienced “ears” who regularly attend recitals in the Berkshires. The fact that the YCA Artist Series has only been available at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center prior to the inception of the Joe & Mary Jane Handler YCA Series at the Colonial, adds an element of distinction to the Colonial’s classical music presentations in a region of superb classical music venues and organizations. The Colonial management is also in conversation with major international piano competitions to explore opportunities for collaboration. The full range of top artists who live in or near the Berkshires or who travel here on tour will be invited to be a part of the Colonial’s concert future. Many of the piano concerts in the Colonial will be classical recitals but the theater will also be eager to demonstrate the instrument’s power and range in other musical styles to appeal to the broadest possible audiences.

Restoration Details
The 1894 Hamburg Steinway, Model D, was moved out of storage inventory in April of this year. The piano had been unplayable for 30 years in a private home. In inventory for over 3 years, the Model D underwent a complete restoration that included a new sound board, pin block, and a completely new action made in Germany. Muller supplied the piano and sent all parts from Germany including the cover, action parts, new legs, new music desk, and special brass wheels. The team of 12 restorers includes the Stripper who remove all the strings, take all of the pieces apart, and remove the finishing; the Bellyman who makes the sound board, sets the plate (the cast iron piece on top of the sound board), and makes the bridge; the Refinisher and Rubbers who apply and rub the multiple layered finish; the Stringer who puts the strings on; the First Action Man assembles the action pieces and does the first fitting and regulation; the Master Action Man does the final regulation and voicing which was done on site at the Colonial on Wednesday night; and the Mover, Jeff Baker, who works independently out of NY and is also a composer. Hungarian brothers Gabor and Sujatri Reisinger are the owners of Klavierhaus and served as the Master Rebuilders and oversaw the day to day operations of the piano restoration. Local tuner, Dave Locke, met with Flynn on Wednesday and will tune the piano for performances.

History of Flynn Pianos, LLC
Terry Flynn has been tuning and repairing pianos since the early 1970’s. He worked from his home in Georgetown, CT until 1995, and then moved to New Fairfield, CT, just north of Danbury. Ten years ago, he started working as a consultant at Simon’s Rock College of Bard in Great Barrington. He soon took over the tech work and has since been their piano supplier (they currently have a 9’ Klavierhaus restored Steinway). Two years ago, Flynn began showcasing pianos in the Beethoven House Music store in South Egremont owned by Jack Brown. Showing grand and upright pianos in his store ranging from $5,000 to $45,000, Brown now sells these pianos in partnership with Flynn Pianos. www.flynnpianos.com

Colonial Theatre
Surrounded as it is by outstanding classical music venues and presenters in the Berkshires, the Colonial Theatre as a new Performing Arts Center, is faced with the challenge of distinguishing itself while complimenting the rich musical opportunities available to both sophisticated and new audiences. The Colonial has acoustic properties that make it ideal for some kinds of presentations. During the initial testing of the piano on Wednesday night, it was discovered that the room was particularly ideal for a musical instrument with the sheer power and nuanced tone that this one has.

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For Immediate Release: August 30th 2007

THE COLONIAL THEATRE CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY AS
A FULLY RESTORED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Pittsfield, MA –August 29th marked the first anniversary of the fully restored Colonial Theatre in downtown Pittsfield. During the first year, more than 64,000 people attended 200+ diverse events held at the Colonial.

In August of 2006, the Colonial’s grand opening was a six-day/eight performance run of Broadway’s smash hit musical RENT.  People came from miles around to see the newly restored theatre—and Broadway in downtown Pittsfield!

By the end of 2006, the Colonial had presented sold-out shows to patrons of all ages, a few stand outs were, Steve Solomon's, My Mother’s Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm in Therapy, Canadian powerhouse Leahy, the incomparable Audra McDonald, hometown favorite Arlo Guthrie, multi-award winner, Nnenna Freelon and the fan favorite, The Irish Rovers.

The Colonial’s first season continued in February with back-to-back sold-out performances by romantic piano artist Jim Brickman followed by traditional Irish band Altan. The season continued with incredible performances by, family favorite Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Co., world renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson, polka King, Jimmy Sturr, ‘60s superstars Lovin’ Spoonful, Jazz great Luciana Souza, the outrageously fun Cirkus Inferno and Songwriter Guy Clark before ending in May 2007.  Season two officially began in June 2007 and has already included a four-day/six performance run of the Broadway musical CATS, Judy Gold’s Twenty-Five Questions for a Jewish Mother and Susie Essman from HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The excitement of the Colonial presentations was matched by activities of many organizations and businesses, both for profit and not for profit that held their events at the newly restored Colonial.

Shortly after opening, over 200 people gathered in the Colonial lobby to celebrate astronaut Stephanie Wilson on September 12, 2006.

September 29th through October 1st marked the Berkshire Brass Spectacular, a four-day event in memory of Armando Ghitalla. Rolf Smedvig of Empire Brass coordinated the event which featured the Armando Ghitalla International Trumpet Classic Competition, a performance by the Berkshire Brass All-Stars, a family concert entitled, Meet the Brass, a free performance by the United States Coast Guard Band and a performance by Empire Brass.

On October 3, 2006 Greylock Federal Credit Union sponsored an accessibility seminar attended by over 75 area professionals.

Shortly after, the Berkshire United Way hosted the Pittsfield Prevention Partnership luncheon. This organization helps raise awareness to end illegal drug and alcohol use among the city’s youth. The event marked the one year anniversary of the committee. Over 75 people were in attendance.

By the end of December 2006, several community groups had performed sold-out shows at the Colonial to raise money for charity including Romance Soul Rock n’ Roll’s support of the Jimmy Fund and the Oldies But Goodies support of United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County.

In January 2007, the Colonial was chosen as the venue for the Inaugural event for Governor elect Deval Patrick. This provided an opportunity for collaboration between many groups in the community. Presenters included Barrington Stage, Youth Alive!, Berkshire Children’s Chorus, Pittsfield High School’s Jazz Band and James Taylor accompanied by cellist Owen Young.

Various community events were held at the Colonial during February and March including the Berkshire Medical Center annual meeting on February 8th which drew 200 people for a beautifully catered dinner in the lobby with a 3-piece band followed by a presentation in the theater. On February 10, Berkshire Country Day School held an auction to raise money for the school. The group of over 200 enjoyed a live auction in the theatre, and a silent auction in the lobby with a catered reception. Mass Inc. presented an Immigration in the Berkshires seminar on the morning of February 28th to 150 people in the theater.

The Berkshire Blueprint was revealed to a crowd of over 300 community members on March 9th at the Colonial. Tyler Fairbank, President of the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation delivered the Blueprint along with David Bruce, Laurie Norton Moffatt, Ellen Spear, Bill Wilson, Carl Olson, Dr. Mary Grant, and Andy Mick of the Berkshire Blueprint Steering Committee.

May 21 kicked off the Smile with B-Mile tapings at the Colonial. Also held on June 5, July 31, and August 29th, local realtor Beverly “B-Mile” Milenski’s Smile with B-Mile talk show featured local artists, musicians, and members of the community. Open to the public, these shows were taped by PCTV.

During the first 3rd Thursdays event in downtown Pittsfield on June 21, the Colonial offered a free tour to the public to over 280 people.

July 3 marked the kick off of the 9 day ISH Residency as part of the Season of Dutch Arts in the Berkshires. The two-week intensive program for at-risk youth brought together 31 high school students from Pittsfield with 8 ISH Instructors. A final performance that the students created was presented to a crowd over 450 family members, friends, and community members.

James Taylor recorded his One Man Band DVD live at the Colonial over the weekend of July 19 through 21st. Selling out two public performances, and a private recording session, Taylor recorded songs from his One Man Band Tour. The DVD will be available later this fall through Starbucks.

August 17th through 26th marked the two week run of Berkshire Opera’s La Bohème at the Colonial. More than 3,000 people attended the 5 performance run that was met with rave reviews from local and regional media.

The Colonial has been fortunate to have an enthusiastic volunteer core to support all of these programs. More than 300 community members volunteer to be ushers, run the concessions operation, help with administrative tasks and advocate for the Colonial in the community. These invaluable members of the Colonial team are a key component of the organization’s community mission, not to mention its operations, and livelihood.

The economic impact predicted for the Colonial Theatre appears to have been underestimated. The Colonial’s programs have been widely successful, as has the performances by community groups. Ticket income has exceeded budgeted goals, and the Colonial has gained great exposure on the regional level as a performing arts center. Despite all this success, the Colonial still needs help from private donations to raise the balance of the money needed to complete the restoration of the theater. Similarly, approximately $300,000 still must be raised by December 31, 2007 to complete the first full year’s budget for theater operations. A direct appeal for this support will be made throughout the Berkshires during the coming months.

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For Immediate Release: August 22, 2007

THE COLONIAL ANNOUNCES NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS

The Colonial Theatre announced today the appointment of Joan E. Bancroft, Joan G. Callahan, Pamela C. Rich, A. King Francis, Laura L. Mick, Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., and Carole Siegel to the Colonial Board of Trustees.

“The Colonial Theatre navigated the always challenging path through the renovation process largely because of the dedication and single-mindedness of an enthusiastic group of community volunteers. The mission of this performance center will always be to serve the people of the Berkshires. To do that effectively we need to continually attract community representatives who will effectively represent our communities and advocate for the long-term success of the theater. We are so pleased to announce these wonderful new additions to our Board of Trustees,” says Colonial Executive Director, David Fleming.

“The Colonial is off to a great start. Now that we’ve transitioned from a construction project to final capital campaign fund raising and an actively programmed theater, we are eager to expand the skills and talents of the dedicated advisors who are helping us realize success. The people on this list are outstanding community members who are all enthusiastic about The Colonial Theatre’s future,” says Gary Scarafoni, President of The Colonial Board of Trustees.

New Board Members

Joan E. Bancroft
(President, Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America)
Bancroft became President of Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America, a wholly owned stock subsidiary of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, N.Y., in October 2005, capping a successful 35-year career with the company.
After her initial start in the Field Compensation area in 1970, Ms. Bancroft joined what was then the Computer Services Department. In 1972, she left Berkshire Life to take advantage of a professional opportunity in Vienna, Austria, as Systems Software Specialist for Univac-Austria. Upon her return to Berkshire Life two-and-a-half years later, she resumed her career in Information Technology, where she held several management positions and received several promotions before being named Information Resources Officer in 1984. Ms. Bancroft became Director of Corporate Systems in 1996 and was promoted to Vice President, Information Technology, in 1998. She joined the Senior Leadership Team in November 2002, assuming responsibility for Claims as well as IT. A graduate of Colorado Women’s College (an affiliate of the University of Denver), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Theory, Ms. Bancroft currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative, as well as the Board of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Massachusetts and Berkshire Business Roundtables, and sits on the Executive Committee of the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation. Past examples of community service include serving on the Board of Managers of the Lenox Library Association, on Berkshire Health Systems’ Community Benefits Committee and as President of Berkshire Retirement Home. An alumna of Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Ms. Bancroft resides in Lenox with her husband, Don Grody.

 Joan Gregg Callahan
(Consultant, Williams College)
Callahan is an annual giving consultant affiliated with Marts and Lundy, a highly respected, full-service philanthropic consulting firm.  From 1995-2006, she served as Director of Annual Giving at Williams College, in Williamstown, MA.  She was Director of the Alumni Fund and Director of the Parents Fund concurrently for 4 years, and in 2002, the Director of the 25th Reunion program was added to her portfolio.  She also served as a regional director for special gifts during the college’s Third Century Campaign. During Joan’s tenure at Williams College as Director of Annual Giving, the Williams College Alumni Fund raised over $70 million in current unrestricted dollars, increasing from $4.4 million the year before she took over to $10.2 million, growing an average of 8.9 percent annually. Participation grew from 56 percent to a high of 63.5 percent.  The Parents Fund over this time raised more than $6.8 million in current unrestricted dollars.  As Director of the 25th Reunion Program, Joan ran five comprehensive 25th reunion campaigns that together raised more than $36 million in gifts and pledges for endowment, capital and current unrestricted purposes.  In 2005 and 2006, the Annual Giving and the 25th Reunion programs raised more than $20 million in each year. Prior to her work at Williams, Joan worked for James Heekin Associates, and Allison, Hull, Malnati, both advertising, marketing and public relations firms; and served on the editorial staff of Good Housekeeping Magazine.
Among her volunteer roles, Joan serves on the Foundation Board of Mass College of Liberal Arts, and its development committee; and as leadership co-chair for her Class of ’89 at Williams. Joan earned her BA cum laude in political science from Williams College in 1989. As a single parent, with 3 children at home, she was one of a handful of adult students admitted to Williams. She also attended SUNY New Paltz, and Smith College.  Joan resides with her husband Mick in New Ashford.

 A. King Francis
(Senior Vice President of Investments, Francis Investment Consulting Group, Inc.)
Francis has been working in the brokerage business since starting with First Albany Corporation in 1976. First Albany Corporation merged in 2000 with Wachovia Securities and Francis has been serving as the Senior Vice President of Investments since the merge. Francis Investment Consulting Group is a division of the Wachovia Securities Financial Network. A graduate of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT with a BS degree, Francis currently serves as President of the Pittsfield Cemetery, a Board member of South Mountain Music and a Committee member at Berkshire Place. Past examples of community service include serving as President of the Pittsfield YMCA, President of the Exchange Club of Pittsfield, a board member for Berkshire Place, and a board member of the Salvation Army. A. King Francis and his wife Debbie reside in Pittsfield.

Laura L. Mick
(Community Development Specialist, City of Pittsfield)
Mick was born in Lima, Ohio and is the product of a traditional mid-western Ohio family. Throughout the 1980’s, she worked for the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group and in 1990 moved to suburban Washington, DC to begin a new career as Director of Public Affairs of the Prince William County Association of Realtors. In 1999, she moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts and joined the City of Pittsfield’s Department of Community Development as a Community Development Specialist. Laura volunteers her time publicly speaking on the topic of women’s health, and spending time with the American Cancer Society Breast Health Team.  She has also been an active volunteer on behalf of Berkshire Medical Center Imaging Center, Berkshire Medical Center Development Committee, Berkshire County Kid’s Place, the American Heart Association, Artscape, Commission on Tourism and Commission on Disabilities. She and her husband, Andrew, live in the city of Pittsfield and are devoted to one another, their family, the outdoors, and enjoying Berkshire arts and cultural events.

Andrea F.  Nuciforo, Jr.
(Register of Deeds, Berkshire Middle District)
Nuciforo was elected Register of Deeds for Berkshire Middle District in November 2006.  By virtue of that office, he serves as the keeper of real estate records for the central Berkshire County.  Prior to assuming the office of Register, Nuciforo served as State Senator for the Berkshire, Hampshire & Franklin District. Representing over 160,000 people in 48 cities and towns throughout western Massachusetts, he was elected to the Senate in 1996, having won a four-way Democratic primary and three-way general election. He was re-elected in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004.  Among other committee assignments, he served as the chairman of the Committee on Financial Services and was a member of the Senate Ways & Means Committee from 1998 to 2005.  While serving in the Senate, he authored hundreds of legislative proposals, including dozens enacted into law.  He crafted the initial state bond authorization and appropriations in support of The Colonial Theatre, and has supported a variety of development projects serving the cultural community.  As chairman of the Committee on Financial Services, he worked closely with legislators, consumers, federal officials and the banking and insurance industries on issues as diverse as auto insurance and mortgage lending.  Prior to his service in the Senate, Nuciforo worked with Posternak, Blankstein & Lund LLP, a private law firm in Boston, and as a law clerk to Chief Judge Frank H. Freedman of the United States District Court, sitting in Springfield.
A graduate of Boston University School of Law and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Nuciforo is an attorney licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and in New York. He has practiced law for many years in Boston and in Pittsfield. He was born and raised in Pittsfield, and attended the Pittsfield public schools. 

Pamela C. Rich
(Marketing Director/Owner, Paul Rich & Sons Home Furnishings + Design)
For the past 13 years, Rich has been responsible for the marketing and advertising of the home furnishings business which she owns with her husband, Tom, and his parents, Betty and Paul Rich. Prior to joining Paul Rich & Sons, she spent 6 years working for the Pyramid Companies of Syracuse, NY, the largest privately held developer of destination centers in the U.S.  From 1988-1992 she worked at several Pyramid sites in the areas of marketing and management.  During that time she earned several promotions and also created marketing programs which she presented to national retailers throughout the U.S.  From 1992-1994 she worked out of the corporate offices in Syracuse, NY, where she was promoted to the Leasing Department, and was responsible for leasing retail space for the company’s portfolio throughout the Northeast. She has served on the Berkshire Country Day School Development Committee, and chaired major fundraising events for the School.  She was on the Berkshire Lyric Theatre Board of Directors, and currently serves on the Pittsfield Cultural Plan Steering Committee.  She is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Management.  She resides in Pittsfield with her husband Tom, and three sons.

Carole Siegel
(Consultant, Juvenile Resource Center)
Siegel retired in 2003 as the unit leader for the school adjustment counselors and school psychologists in the Pittsfield Public Schools. Currently she works as a consultant at the Juvenile Resource Center, conducting parent groups, family meetings and staff development.  She also teaches graduate college courses and maintains a psychotherapy practice.  Dr. Siegel serves on the boards of Berkshire Health Systems, Elder Services of Berkshire County, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Knesset Israel Synagogue, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, and is a founding member of the Pittsfield Coalition for Cultural Diversity. She is a corporator of the Berkshire Museum. She previously served on the board of Berkshire United Way and was a long-time member of the board of Hospicecare in the Berkshires.

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For Immediate Release: August 9, 2007

AN EVENING WITH MARVIN HAMLISCH
THE COLONIAL THEATRE ANNUAL GALA
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH

The Colonial Theatre Celebrates Education
and Community Enhancement Programs
with Annual Gala

Pittsfield, MA –The white lights of Broadway will shine brightly in Pittsfield on September 8th as The Colonial Theatre presents its annual gala featuring the legendary theater and film score composer and pianist Marvin Hamlisch accompanied by Tenor Stephen Lehew. The Gala is The Colonial’s major fundraiser to benefit education and community enhancement programs.

Single Gala tickets are priced at $50, $100, $250, $300, and $500. Tables seating eight guests may be reserved for $3,000 or $5,000. All proceeds to benefit the Performing Arts for Kids Education Program and community enhancement programs. For more information about the Gala, call (413) 448-8084 ext. 19 or email sgoldstein@thecolonialtheatre.org. Guests are asked to RSVP by August 22.

The Gala is co-chaired by P. Keyburn Hollister, Joan Bancroft, Joan Gregg Callahan, Kit Dobelle, Ellen Ruberto, Carole Siegel, and Margery Steinberg. The Gala will begin at 6pm under a festive tent in the parking lot on the South side of the Colonial with hors d’oeuvres and a lavish buffet catered by Master Chef Michael Roller and wine provided by Grapefinds.

The Gala performance with Mr. Hamlisch and Mr. Lehew begins at 8 PM in the Colonial Theatre. Following the performance will be a dessert reception under the tent with desserts and coffee by Master Chef Michael Roller.

“An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch is a great way to close out the summer in the Berkshires. But for The Colonial Theatre, it is also a great way to celebrate and support the educational mission of the Colonial. We will continue to be an important part of education in the Berkshires and the resources generated during this one night will help make that possible,” says Colonial Executive Director David Fleming.

Now entering its second season, Performing Arts for Kids offers a variety of high-quality, performing arts experiences for students during the school day.  Programs are ideally suited to reinforce classroom curriculum while expanding students’ understanding of the performing arts.

The Colonial offers a diverse array of unique educational performances for schools, designed for students in grades K–12. For students in kindergarten through sixth grade, the Colonial presents Garry Krinsky’s Toying with Science, an exploration of basic science and physics principles through circus arts; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, based on the popular Judith Viorst book; Junie B. Jones, a musical based on the Barbara Park books; and Flat Stanley, a musical travelogue about cultures around the world. For high school students, the Colonial presents a staged production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. In addition, there are three productions suitable for students of any age: Ballet Folklórico de México, the Golden Dragon Acrobats of China and ODC/ Dance Company’s The Velveteen Rabbit.

During the 2007–2008 Season, the Colonial will be applying, in collaboration with the Pittsfield Public Schools, to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program. Through this program, The Colonial Theatre and the Pittsfield schools will partner to increase the artistic literacy of local students. Hallmarks of the program include access to an expansive array of professional development training opportunities for teachers, unique touring attractions and Kennedy Center trained artists leading workshops, as well as specialized training for local artists to provide cross-discipline approaches to classroom teaching.

Marvin Hamlisch
Hamlisch is one of a handful of artists to have won every major performance award, having received a Tony, three Oscars, four Emmys, four Grammys, three Golden Globes and the Pulitzer Prize. Hamlisch’s Broadway resume starts with the score for A Chorus Line, which includes the standards “What I Did for Love” and “One.” He has composed a number of other Broadway musicals, including They’re Playing Our Song, The Goodbye Girl and Sweet Smell of Success.

The composer of more that forty motion picture scores, including his Oscar-winning score for The Way We Were and his adaptation of Scott Joplin's music for The Sting, Hamlisch has created original compositions and/or musical adaptations for Sophie’s Choice, Ordinary People, Three Men and a Baby and Bananas. Two of Hamlisch’s songs are on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 film songs, including “Nobody Does it Better” from the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me, performed by Carly Simon, and “The Way We Were,” performed by Barbra Streisand.

Mr. Hamlisch was Musical Director and arranger of Barbra Streisand’s 1994 concert tour of the U.S. and England as well as of the television special, “Barbra Streisand: The Concert” (for which he received two of his Emmys). He served in the same capacities for her Millennium concerts.

Marvin Hamlisch holds the position of Principal Pops Conductor with the National Symphony Orchestra. This is the first time that anyone has held such a position with this orchestra.

Hamlisch is a graduate of both Juilliard and Queens College (where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree).  He believes in the power of music to bring people together. “Music can make a difference.  There is a global nature to music, which has the potential to bring all people together.  Music is truly an international language, and I hope to contribute by widening communication as much as I can.”
www.marvinhamlisch.com

Stephen Lehew
Stephen Lehew made his Broadway debut in the musical revue Rodgers and Hart. Prior to that, he was featured as Henrik Egerman in the first national company of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, starring Jean Simmons and directed by Harold Prince. In 1980, he received critical and public acclaim for his performance as Charlie Dalrymple in the Broadway revival of Brigadoon.

A native Texan, he began his career with Dallas Summer Musicals and has since been featured with many notable performers through-out the country. His performances include the title roles in The Student Prince, Candide and Jesus Christ Superstar. Other leading roles include Tony in West Side Story, Ravenal in Showboat, Jeff Calhoun in Bloomer Girl, Cliff in Cabaret and the Caliph in Kismet.
No stranger to operetta, he has starred as the Red Shadow in The Desert Song, Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance, Capt. Dick in Naughty Marietta, Ralph in H.M.S. Pinafore and Rikaard in Song of Norway. Featured roles include Rutledge in 1776, Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd, Freddy in My Fair Lady and Mr. Snow in Carousel.

Off-Broadway, Mr. Lehew has performed for Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwright’s Horizons, and The National Institute of Musical Theatre; in the musical adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You Mr. Rosewater and in the musical revue Sweet Will.

In 1984 he starred as Prince Charming in the St. Louis Muny Opera world premiere of The Sleeping Beauty. That same year he debuted with Florida Opera West in the title role of The Student Prince. He has also performed with Opera Pacific and Michigan Opera Theatre.

Mr. Lehew’s concert appearances include the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, principal guest artist performances with the Utah and Indianapolis Symphonies as well as his solo In Concert at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. For the past few years he has been a continuing guest vocalist for award-winning composer, Marvin Hamlisch and over 25 American Symphonies including San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Chicago, The PBS presentation of “Evening at Pop’s” and the A & E presentation of  “Pop’s Goes the Fourth”.

For more information about the Gala, call Sarah Goldstein-Post at (413) 448-8084 ext. 19 or email sgoldstein@thecolonialtheatre.org. Guests are asked to RSVP by August 22.

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