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The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, including the newly opened Indigo Room next door
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| The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center opened its doors for events on 152 days in 2025. Through those events, over 35,000 patrons visited the historic theater and Indigo Room, which formally opened on October 10. As a presenter, the Mahaiwe showcased 24 headliners in the theater and many other extraordinary performers at the Indigo Room, plus numerous screenings through our HD Broadcasts and 100 Years of Movies programs. In total, there were 25 sold-out Mahaiwe-presented shows in 2025 — we'll recap more about that below.
This success, of course, would not be possible without our community. Our donor-base – the fuel of the Mahaiwe – grew by 10%. Thanks in part to this support, we offered free or discounted tickets to 20% of our attendees. Furthermore, nearly 40 events on our stage were presented by partnering organizations.
Looking ahead, the Mahaiwe has a full year of programming in two venues in store for 2026. But first, let's take a look at some recent activity around the organization in this new installment of our quarterly newsletter, The Note Exchange.
Thanks for reading, and we look forward to seeing you for a show soon.
—Team Mahaiwe
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Avid readers of The Note Exchange may recall a piece about our biennial rigging inspection in the third issue of this newsletter two years ago. Well, time flies, as do ropes from the rafters this January as we are due again to inspect the network of hemp, drapes, and piping that form the Mahaiwe stage's historic fly system.
As one of the few remaining theaters in the U.S. – known as hemp houses – to utilize such a setup, this inspection ensures proper functionality and code.
"It's a way we can make sure our system is in tip-top and safe condition for performers," says Mahaiwe Director of Production Lucas Pawelski.
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New Year, New Faces
Two friends of the Mahaiwe join the Board
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|  | Larry Green
Larry Green has been an advisor to senior executives in higher education, entertainment, and media for more than forty years. During his career he has developed, launched, managed, and invested in domestic and international business in these sectors. Green has led and mentored teams in Asia, Australia, and Europe and provided bandwidth to senior executives wishing to accelerate strategic initiatives.
His undergraduate and postgraduate study abroad experiences were the foundation for his professional life. Larry holds a bachelor’s degree in history with honors from Binghamton University and an M.B.A. from NYU, HEC (France) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
In addition to his volunteer work with the Mahaiwe, he is on the board of ISEP in Washington, D.C., which makes "study abroad accessible to anyone who wants it." Larry, his wife, son and recalcitrant rescue dog, Otis, split their time between NYC and the Berkshires.
| |  | Leslie K. Lichter
Leslie K. Lichter is an experienced nonprofit executive, interim leader, and strategic advisor who partners with mission-driven organizations during pivotal moments of change. She works closely with boards and senior leadership teams to help organizations intentionally use the period between permanent chief executives as a transformational opportunity, strengthening governance, fiduciary oversight, and operations while positioning them for long-term success.
Leslie has supported a wide range of national and regional organizations through founder transitions and unanticipated leadership turnover. Her work often focuses on aligning stakeholders, developing strategic collaborations, expanding visibility and outreach, and diversifying revenue streams. She brings steady leadership and focus, guiding teams through dynamic environments.
Leslie began her career developing new products for Fortune 500 corporations. She holds a B.A. with honors from Brown University and an M.B.A.from the Wharton School, and is trained as an Interim Executive Director through the Support Center for Nonprofit Management.
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Plus, the Mahaiwe's Spanish-language Community Advisory Network (SCAN) welcomes six new members! ¡Bienvenido, Lilia Baker, Andrés Bernal, Luana Dias David, Alexander Hernandez, Edwin Rihanno Salseo y Mayra Rodriguez!
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|  | Margaret Deutsch, Sheila Parekh-Blum, and Janis Martinson. Photo by Sandra West Photography.
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Effective this February, Sheila Parekh-Blum will step into the role of Chair of the Mahaiwe Board of Directors. A Board Member since 2023, Sheila will assume the position from outgoing Chair Margaret Deutsch. Margaret has served on the Board since 2014, with the past seven years as Chair, and will remain an active member.
The Mahaiwe Team shares its congratulations to both leaders, celebrating the organizational growth and prosperity under Margaret's term, and looking forward with excitement to continued success with Sheila.
Thanks as well to outgoing Board Members Carrie Chen, Roger Persell, and Vicki Weiner. (Vicki will remain with the organization on the Mahaiwe Council.)
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Old Crow Medicine Show, April 2025. Photo by Christina Lane.
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Between the historic theater and the Indigo Room, the Mahaiwe sold out 25 shows in 2025. How's that for serendipity? Thank you to all who helped us pack the house for these great performances – and remember to plan ahead for the year to come!
Mainstage:
Billy F. Gibbons • Patton Oswalt • José González • Old Crow Medicine Show
Rosanne Cash • Paul Reiser • Berkshire Opera Festival: La Traviata (three shows)
Pat Metheny • David Sedaris • Natalie Merchant (two shows)
Indigo Room:
Morgan James • Indigo Comedy Night: Kevin McCaffrey
Drago Bingo with Miranda Moirai • Ann Hampton Callaway • Guy Davis
Pilobolust (two shows) • Shire Stories: Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Isaiah J. Thompson (two shows) • ARKAI • Indigo Comedy Night: Ariel Elias
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Morgan James, March 2025. Photo by Christina Lane.
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From Newsletter to Newsletter
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Photo from BHRSD newsletter
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Sixth grader Nava K. made the Berkshire Hills Regional School District's newsletter last month after participating in the Indigo Room's Shire Stories event in November.
Nava was part of a lineup of local community members sharing their stories under the theme of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Her story, "The Emotional Support Iguana," detailed the experience of sharing a flight with a lizard escaped from its cage.
Stay tuned for more Shire Stories events in the coming year.
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The Mahaiwe is proud to have hosted the MA250 celebration of the Knox noble artillery expedition anniversary on January 10. Learn more about the event in the Berkshire Edge.
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Programming Picks
Straight from the staff
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"Those who think of this all-male dance troupe for their spoofy antics should not underestimate the seriousness of their skillful execution of classical ballet. From their early start off-Broadway more than five decades ago, they have risen to perform for kings, conveying their love for the art form with a subversive edge. Whether you've seen them before or are new to the Trocks, you're in for a treat this February 7."
—Janis Martinson,
Executive Director
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
February 7
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"I highly recommend Moulin Rouge! It's the production department's favorite film – a gorgeous movie that demands to be seen in a classic movie theater such as the Mahaiwe. The film expertly mixes classic musical structure with MTV panache and a healthy dose of anachronism. The colorful cinematography will amaze and astound you as well as Ewan McGregor's and Nicole Kidman's beautiful singing voices."
—Thomas Randle,
Artist Production Manager
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Valentine's Day, February 14
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"Come see a show at the Indigo Room! I was not familiar with Amanda Pascali before we booked her, but am excited to experience an emerging talent at our intimate new performance space in the old firehouse next door to our historic theater. Pascali has an Italian cover of Bob Dylan's 'Don't Think Twice It's Alright' on YouTube. I recommend you watch that, then buy tickets to the show."
—Gabe Napoleon,
Marketing & Communications Manager
Amanda Pascali
March 21
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"I fell in love with Parsons Dance when they last perfomed at the Mahaiwe in 2022, and I am looking forward to seeing their energetic, entertaining, and technically flawless modern dancers again when they return this April."
—Diane Wortis,
Director of Advancement
Parsons Dance
April 4
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The Artists of Arts Admin
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The Forgotten Farmhouse (2025) by Michael Beuth
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| To no surprise, many of the Mahaiwe's staff members are artists themselves.
Senior Manager of Programming & Booking Michael Beuth has been busy this winter with his miniature sculptures, having recently completed a new work, The Forgotten Farmhouse (pictured above). See more of Michael's work on Instagram, @mbeuth99.
Director of Finance & Administration Frank Segro wears another hat as Managing Producer with Columbia County Players. Frank and company are running free clowning workshops at The Spark of Hudson on January 31 and February 1. Learn more at columbiacountyplayers.com.
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We look forward to making even more great memories together in 2026.
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
14 & 20 Castle Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Mahaiwe Box Office Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm to 4pm
413-528-0100 | mahaiwe.org
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