
Geoffrey Laron, host of last year’s family concert, signs autographs for some of the kids after the performance.
Provided
Geoffrey Laron, host of last year’s family concert, signs autographs for some of the kids after the performance.
Berkshire Opera Festival (BOF) invites families to an exciting afternoon of interactive music and storytelling with “Choose Your Own Opera Adventure” on Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. This free family concert will be held at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s new venue, The Indigo Room, at 20 Castle Street in Great Barrington.
Designed for audiences aged 8 to 14 and their caregivers, this performance puts the audience in charge of the story. Inspired by the classic pasticcio opera—a historical precursor to the modern jukebox musical—this event blends arias from Mozart, Puccini, Bizet, and Donizetti into an original adventure. Through live voting, audience members will determine how the story unfolds, making each performance unique.
“We want the audience to be part of the adventure,” said BOF’s chorus master and assistant conductor, Luca Antonucci. “This isn’t just a concert—it’s a musical journey shaped by the audience’s choices, complete with costumes, props, and plenty of surprises.”
This second annual free family concert marks one of the first public performances at The Indigo Room, an exciting new performance space in the old firehouse adjacent to the Mahaiwe. With flexible seating for 80 to 200 guests, a casual atmosphere, and a fully stocked concessions area, The Indigo Room aims to bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the local arts scene.
Mahaiwe executive director Janis Martinson said, “We are delighted to offer a sneak peek at both this thrilling opera adventure and our new performance venue. We hope audiences will return again and again for future events.”
The Indigo RoomMichael Beuth
Gabe Napoleon, marketing and communications manager for The Indigo Room, added, “We are racing towards the finish line of getting this new venue open and ready to go. We’re 75-80% there, but we’re still wrapping up some final details before we’re really ready to hit the ground running.” He continued, “We’ve got the name, The Indigo Room, and we’re just quietly rolling things out as things get finalized. The space allows for flexible programming, from seated performances to standing-room-only events, which means more opportunities for diverse and intimate performances.”
Napoleon emphasized the importance of the venue’s versatility. “The Mahaiwe is a grand space, but The Indigo Room offers a more casual and intimate atmosphere. Depending on the nature of the show, we can adjust seating arrangements to suit different performances. This flexibility opens doors for emerging artists and regional talent to showcase their work.”
Besides the Choose Your Own Opera Adventure, The Indigo Room will also host R&B singer Bobby Rush on March 14. A date for the official opening of the space will be announced soon.
For more information on The Indigo Room and upcoming events, mahaiwe.org/events/category/indigo-room/
Joan Anderson Turnure, 91, died after a long illness on May 3, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, CT. She was the loving widow of Michael DeBurbure Turnure.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Church in Salisbury on June 1, at 1:00PM, followed by a reception at The White Hart Inn.
To view the whole obituary please visit www.kennyfuneralhomes.com.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
CANAAN — The Lord welcomed Liz home Sunday, May 4, 2025, after leading a long life of faithful service, to Him and to us. She loved life and people. While living in Dunnellon, Florida for her waning years, she remained attached to her roots in Canaan, Connecticut.
Though small in stature, Liz was big in heart. After a successful long career as a hairdresser, she remained active and involved. A consummate homemaker, baker, cook, reader and world traveler, Liz enjoyed her several Pomeranians, especially Queen Sheba and Sweet Pea, her final pups. Her hobbies included crocheting, gardening, walking and picking flowers for the table. Liz’s service to others included being a Life Lioness, a Daughter of Isabella, a VFW Auxiliary Life Member, a VA Gainesville Hospital Volunteer as well as service ministries of bereavement and bingo at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Her survivors include sisters, Stephanie Togninalli (Louis), and Elsie Zucco (Oliver) and many nieces and nephews, grand, great grand, and great great grand nieces and nephews, and her loving, longtime companion, Walter J. Fleck. In Heaven, Liz will join her beloved husband of over 40 years, Frank J. Zucco, parents, Alice and Dazzi Colli, and sisters Anna Smith, and Mary Tyler.
A 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, May 23, 2025. Services will be held and she will be interred with Frank in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Canaan, Connecticut at a later date. Elizabeth appreciated the love, prayers, and support she received throughout her life.
SOUTH KENT — Denis Rene LaFontan, 81, a lifelong resident of South Kent, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born June 25, 1943, at Sharon Hospital, he was the son of the late Andre, Sr. and Elisabeth (Hosslin) LaFontan. He attended Kent Center School and Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
On Jan. 14, 1966, he married Beverly Card, the love of his life. Denis and Beverly were married for 59 wonderful years and Beverly still resides at home.
Denis worked all over Connecticut as a Heavy Equipment Operator, was one of the operators of LaFontan’s Humus and ended his career as the owner/operator of South Kent Construction, LLC, retiring in 2005.
Denis was an avid woodsman who appreciated and understood Northwestern Connecticut’s forests and wildlife. He was a passionate hunter and fisherman, passing on his love and respect for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren.
Family meant everything to Denis. He loved his home and there was no place he’d rather be. He enjoyed walks on his nearby parents’ property also known as “the mountain.” Much of the wood harvested from the “mountain” was used in the wood stove in his basement that kept his family warm all winter. In his later years, Denis enjoyed good conversation out on his porch-especially about recent animals that he or others had seen, like “Boo” the neighborhood bear that Denis had fondly named after numerous sightings.
Denis is survived by two sons and a daughter; Vincent and his wife Maria of Kent, and Lyle and his wife Elaine of Gaylordsville, and Rebecca and her husband Daniel of South Kent. His grandchildren; Olivia, Abigail, Madison, Morgan, Alexandra and Raphael; and two great-grandchildren; Rowan and Harrison.
The family is planning a private burial. Memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Kent, 97 North Main St. Kent, CT 06757.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.