Barrington Stage Company Presents Cyril the Sorcerer in 'Once Upon a River'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Barrington Stage Company (BSC) invites audiences of all ages to experience Cyril the Sorcerer in "Once Upon a River."

The public performance will take place Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Germain Stage, Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center (36 Linden Street). Student matinee performances for local elementary school groups are scheduled for Friday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.

According to a press release: 

"Once Upon a River" is an interactive "enviromagic" fairytale show performed by CJ May as Cyril the Sorcerer, designed to teach children about environmental stewardship. The story follows a peasant boy's quest to stop a magician from stealing an entire river, sharing important lessons about sustainability, water protection, and recycling.

Featuring magic, costumes, and music, the production invites young audience members to become "heroes," actively engaging them in the story and its message.

"This is a wonderful way to introduce young audiences to live theatre while also inspiring them to care for the world around them," said Jane O'Leary, Director of Education. "It's entertaining, interactive, and meaningful for the whole family."

Known as the Merlin of Environmental Magic, Cyril was born and raised in the mythical Land of Aquilon, where he began his magical studies. When his homeland faced devastation due to pollution and environmental neglect, he used his powers to restore harmony between humans and nature. Today, he travels the world sharing the lessons that once saved Aquilon—empowering young people to protect the environment in their own communities.

Cyril the Sorcerer is the alter ego of CJ May, an environmental professional who holds a master's degree in environmental management from Yale University.

This special BSC engagement is sponsored by the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Family Fund, whose support helps make accessible, educational programming like this possible.

Tickets are $5, making this a magical and affordable outing for families, school groups, and theatre lovers alike.

For tickets and information, visit the Barrington Stage Company website at barringtonstagco.org or call the box office at 413-242-6411.

 

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Pittsfield: No E-Bikes on Sidewalk

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city will place signage downtown to remind people that e-bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk. 

On Monday, the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee heard an update about e-bike enforcement in response to a petition from Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn. 

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales confirmed that under Massachusetts law, it is illegal for any motorized bicycle, regardless of the class, to ride on the sidewalk. 

"So, at this point, we will start installing some signage in the North Street area," he reported. 

"Doing so for the whole city is going to be very cumbersome, and we're not going to be doing that, but I think there's something to be done in terms of education and outreach and enforcement citywide for that."

Pittsfield has begun to develop what that signage will look like in the downtown corridor. Amuso has received many complaints about the North Street and Elm Street areas; Morales said they could work to locate some key spots on Elm Street for signage. 

"I know it's a citywide problem, but I think if we start on North Street and work our way out and come up with a plan, that would be good," she said. 

The councilors petitioned to increase enforcement of bicycle and e-bike use on Pittsfield streets, install signage in high-traffic areas, and launch an educational program for kids. 

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