New folk opera about Sojourner Truth ready for premiere

It began with a dream. While trying to imagine how she could follow Old Deerfield Productions' original opera "The Captivation of Eunice Williams" with another success, artistic director Linda McInerney dreamed she was sitting in Northampton's Academy of Music with composer Paula Kimper. They were watching singer Evelyn Harris, who was onstage, wearing a mid-19th century costume and about to sing.

Play at Mount Holyoke recalls tough days at male-dominated MIT

When you hear the name Larry Summers, assorted descriptions may come to mind. Economist. Former Harvard University president. United States Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton and economic adviser to Barack Obama. Outspoken. Controversial.

Artistic muse? Not so likely.

Weekend Planner - Theater

Offering a window onto the emotional realities and moral complexities of life on the British Isles following the departure of Roman legions in the early Middle Ages, "The Mabinogi" is a collection of medieval Welsh tales invoking mystery, magic, heroism, disloyalty, heartbreak and love.

Northampton High senior Julia Doucett directs student production

NORTHAMPTON - To see an image in your head and then bring it to life: that is the main goal for Northampton High School senior Julia Doucett, the director of "The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds." The play will be performed today through Saturday at the high school.

Famous little orphan 'Annie' finds home in Amherst Leisure Services production

A few weeks before the Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater (ALSCT) production of "Annie" the Bangs Community Center was abuzz with activity. Cast members practiced song-and-dance routines upstairs as a piano player banged out the familiar tunes "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard Knock Life." Volunteers busily sewed maids' costumes and 1930s-style gowns in a downstairs sewing room. This ALSCT version of "Annie" is a true community enterprise, in every sense of the word. There will be nine performances of "Annie" at Bowker Auditorium at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, from tonight through Jan. 22.

• Click here for Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater

Weather-delayed performance of 'Love Letters' at Academy of Music

Thanks to the surprise October nor'easter that paralyzed much of western Massachusetts, leaving thousands without power, a Northampton performance by Vincent Dowling and Mary Linda Rapelye of A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters" had to be postponed.

But, as the saying goes, the show must go on.

Weekend Planner - Theater

If there's a place in your heart for the days when Andy Williams and Perry Como hosted holiday television variety shows, welcoming such stars as Wayne Newton, the Lennon Sisters, Claudine Longet and Mel "The Velvet Frog" Tormé into the warmth of their living room-style sets, then "Home for the Holidays" is for you.