Singing spoof to power: Capitol Steps brings irreverent brand of comedy to the Academy

How do you prefer your politics? Straight up? Or with a spoonful of humor and a pound of idol-shattering irreverence? It's clear how Elaina Newport likes hers; she's a co-founder of The Capitol Steps, a singing and comedy troupe that travels the country dosing out political parodies about current events and our nation's leaders.

Weekend Planner -- Theater

Emerging from San Diego in the early '80s, the comedy team of Kathy and Mo - Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney - had a successful off-Broadway run in a series of skits featuring multiple characters with strong views on feminism, gay rights, religion and abortion rights. Called "Parallel Lives," the show later appeared as an HBO comedy special and gained a cult following.

Local teen author pens new play for HRHS drama club

Bailly Morse is wired to write.

For Valley Light Opera, the patter of pirate feet

In the band room at Amherst Regional High School, the instruments have been swapped for sewing machines. The chorus room is filled with boys and girls and men and women, ages 14 to 70, in full-throated song. And the auditorium's stage has been dressed for the year 1873.

Keeping Tabs on the Arts: Valley arts happenings

Time traveling at the Renaissance Center

Not interested in what our Renaissance forbears wore, how they gambled, what they ate? As usual, the upcoming season's schedule of events at the Massachusetts Center for Renaissance Studies in Amherst is so diverse in both topic and presentation, it's like New England weather. Wait a day and there'll be something different.

Keeping Tabs on the Arts: Valley arts happenings

'70s feminism subject of film

"The Heretics," a new documentary feature film by local filmmaker Joan Braderman will be shown today at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

Shakespeare theater in Lenox needs $2.3 million to survive

LENOX - A nonprofit consultants' report says a Shakespearean theater here needs to raise $2.3 million to continue operations until next year.

In the report released Tuesday, the Nonprofit Finance Fund said Shakespeare & Company in Lenox also needs to raise $8.15 million to restructure long-term debt.