All good intentions when Founder/Artistic Director Julianne Boyd told me in an interview the beginning of May (https://www.theaterpizzazz.com/how-barrington-stage-is-handling-live-theatre-reopening/) that the The Barrington Stage Company (BSC) production of Harry Clarke (by David Cale), starring Mark H. Dold  was to be set up in a unique seating pattern in their indoor theater which sounded clever and doable. Best laid plans as it will now move outdoors to follow Massachusetts state guidelines on safe reopening in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Performances of Harry Clarke will proceed as scheduled, from August 5-16, with two changes in performance times: the 3:00 pm matinees on August 9 (press opening) and August 16 will now take place at 7:30 pm.

Even though Pittsfield in the Berkshires has one of the lowest COVID rates in the Commonwealth, Massachusetts state governor Charlie Baker has delayed Phase 3, Step 2 of his reopening plan, which included indoor theatres. And so BSC must move its production of Harry Clarke to an outdoor tent, located across the street from BSC’s Blatt Center on the grounds of the Polish Community Club (55 Linden Street), the same location that will be used for BSC’s The Hills Are Alive with Rodgers & Hammerstein (August 19-29).

All safety protocols for outdoor theatres, including the use of masks and socially distant seating, will be in effect. For a full list of BSC’s safety measures, please go to barringtonstageco.org/distancing.

Enjoy the show!

Coming up: Marilyn Maye on August 24 and Ann Hampton Callaway on Sept. 1

www.barringtonstageco.org