Celebrate the arts during school vacation week
PITTSFIELD – School vacation week is just around the corner, and for those staying in The Berkshires, it’s a perfect time to head to the city’s Upstreet Cultural District for…
‘Hansel and Gretel’ is disturbing on many levels
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is a seriously disturbing piece of crap. I am a free speech absolutist. I believe people have the right to make and show any kind…
Tanglewood continues to fill its calendar
LENOX – As Tanglewood looks to continue expanding its non-classical music attractions, several new bookings have been announced. The Steve Miller Band and the NPR radio program Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! have been…
Riveting narrative on OCD
Elsewhere is one of the few non-fiction books novelist Richard Russo, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2002 for Empire Falls, has written. Most of his novels are set in…
‘Dear Life’ lacks important details
Alice Munro, who lives in Canada, is one of the best-known short story writers of our time. She has won many Canadian and English honors, the U.S. National Book Critics Award…
Where to watch this year’s Oscar-nominated films
Whether it’s curling up in the comfort of your own home or venturing out to an area cineplex, The Berkshire Beacon is keeping track of where you can see this…
‘Gangster Squad’ more style than substance
Gangster Squad is a terrible movie, but I loved it anyway. Loosely based on true events, it tells the story of the battle between gangster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) and…
Winter goes to the dogs
For winter enthusiasts, the thrill of outdoor activities with lots of snow can’t be beat. What better way to increase the enjoyment than taking your four-footed buddy along for the…
New hires for area schools
NORTH ADAMS – Interdisciplinary artist, musician and performer C. Ryder Cooley can add a new title to that list: manager of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Gallery 51. A…
‘Promised Land’ hits home on regional issue
It’s not every day you get to see a topical film that’s practically set in your backyard. Promised Land is a new movie written by and starring Matt Damon and…