The first time I brought Noelle to Tanglewood, she was 18 months old. Needless to say, she doesn't remember the trip to see a family-friendly matinee orchestra concert with her cousins who were visiting from Oregon. 

Those cousins at the time were about the same age as Noelle is now, so it seemed appropriate to bring her back to Tanglewood this summer to experience a place I have loved since I was a kid growing up in Pittsfield.

Noelle plays the viola, so I knew she would enjoy an orchestra show, but I didn't think she had the patience to sit through a full-length "regular" concert. But

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Wikipedia describes "Seussical" as a "rather complex amalgamation" of Dr. Seuss stories. After having seen it for the first time on stage at The Colonial in Pittsfield, I think that may be an understatement.

The production, Berkshire Theatre Group's ninth annual Children Theatre Production, was lovely and colorful and musical and energetic. The 100-plus community members of all ages that participated in it were fabulous. The costumes and sets were wonderful, and the special effects - particularly the flying over the stage - are sure to delight people of all ages. I just can't say enough

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How did I get 39 years into life without knowing the story of "Hairspray"?

I'm glad Noelle only had to go eight and a half, and I'm glad her first experience with it was Barrington Stage Company's Youth Theatre production of "Hairspray Jr."

Based on the film and Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, "Hairspray Jr." features the popular songs “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “Good Morning Baltimore.” Filled with energetic dance numbers and unique characters, "Hairspray Jr." follows spunky plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream of dancing on national television and

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