Well it’s certainly not a bad thing this weekend!!
TriArts Theatre in Sharon CT is presenting their 9th Annual “Diva-themed” production at the Sharon Playhouse this weekend (August 22, 23 & 24). The Diva shows have become a favorite end-of-the-season event, starting with the first incarnation, “Night of 100 Divas” in 2000. Since then, various themes have been used such as “Divas Do Nashville”, “Divas Do Broadway”, “Divas Do Hollywood”…featuring popular songs from different styles and eras of music. This year, however, things are a little different and a lot more exciting for TriArts — this year’s show is “Divas Do Berkeley”. Who’s Berkeley you ask?
Michael Berkeley
That would be Michael Berkeley, TriArts’ Artistic Director & Composer/Lyricist, who dreamt up the whole DIVA Concert idea nine years ago when he realized there were not enough parts to go around for all the talented women that audition for TriArts productions.
In each of the DIVA shows, he included several of his own songs — either written specifically for the DIVAS or pulled from his vast “trunk” of original songs written over the years. This year, TriArts decided it was time for a concert of all original Michael Berkeley songs and for DIVAS it was a perfect fit. It features songs from currently produced musicals as well as his new musicals in development with many cabaret songs–from funny up-beat songs to tear-jerking ballads. Many of the songs will be heard for the first time ever this weekend.
Last night, yours truly gained access to one of the final DIVAS DO BERKELEY rehearsals. This fabulous cast of local talent ranges from teen-aged students… to talented amateurs … to seasoned professionals — each DIVAS in their own right. For them this is a labor of love (of the theatre and Michael). “The Diva show is a fundraiser”, says TriArts Executive Director, Alice Bemand, “And we are fortunate that the Divas all volunteer their time and talent. As a non-profit [theatre], we are really grateful.”
“I am very excited about my cast of divas.” says Michael Berkeley, “And, I am
overwhelmed with how much love, care, and detail these talented women are putting into each song. To me a song is not just a melody with words but an honest character-driven monologue. And it takes talented actors to make that work.”
Glenda Lauten and Pam Provisor (pictured here) have been part of the DIVA experience from the very beginning. “I haven’t missed a single one,” says Pam.
And you, our readers, shouldn’t miss this one!
Where: TriArts at Sharon Playhouse, Sharon CT
When: This Friday, Saturday @ 8:00 pm & Sunday at 5:00 pm
Website: http://www.triarts.net
Please note: Sunday performance is at 5 PM!