Ancram Opera House becomes Ancram Center for the Arts

Ancram Opera House is becoming Ancram Center for the Arts, announced co-directors Paul Ricciardi and Jeffrey Mousseau and board President Cathy Redlich at a community open house Saturday, Nov. 25.

“Paul and Jeff’s vision was never just about producing theater; it was about creating a space where storytelling in all its forms — from plays to music to personal narratives — could enrich and connect a community,” said Redlich in her remarks.

“As it has grown, Ancram Opera House’s offerings to the public have kept pace, with free workshops, programs, and events. The new name, Ancram Center for the Arts, not only captures the breadth, depth and creativity of its diverse programs but also serves as an umbrella for the Center’s future growth.”

Mousseau said, “The change aligns our identity more closely with our vibrant array of performances and community events.”

He also described the team’s vision for the new Annex building:

“Our new campus will comprise the existing Ancram Opera House building, with accessibility upgrades, and a recently acquired neighboring house, built in the 1780s, that we’re calling The Annex. Once rehabilitated, The Annex will provide much-needed space to house interns and guest artists, as well as space for the community programs that are core to our vision.”

The Annex will provide space for workshops in playwriting and storytelling for local adults. 

The Annex community room will also be put to use for the storytelling workshops that Ricciardi created for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at Taconic Hills Elementary School, which have been part of the school’s curriculum since 2020. 

Work on improving accessibility has already begun, with the conversion of office space off the theater lobby into an accessible restroom. Next is the construction of permanent ramping to the theater’s entrance, to be followed by parking upgrades and a covered porch between the two buildings. 

“The evolution of Ancram Opera House from when it reopened its doors eight years ago to today has been nothing short of astounding,” Redlich said. 

For more information go to www.ancramcenter.org

Latest News

Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at her home. She was the beloved wife of George R. DelPrete for 62 years.

Mrs. DelPrete was born in Burlington, Iowa, on May 31, 1941, daughter of the late George and Judy Meyers. She lived in California for a time and had been a Lakeville resident for the past 55 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shirley Anne Wilbur Perotti

SHARON — Shirley Anne Wilbur Perotti, daughter of George and Mabel (Johnson) Wilbur, the first girl born into the Wilbur family in 65 years, passed away on Oct. 5, 2025, at Noble Horizons.

Shirley was born on Aug. 19, 1948 at Sharon Hospital.

Keep ReadingShow less
Veronica Lee Silvernale

MILLERTON — Veronica Lee “Ronnie” Silvernale, 78, a lifelong area resident died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at Sharon Hospital in Sharon, Connecticut. Mrs. Silvernale had a long career at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, where she served as a respected team leader in housekeeping and laundry services for over eighteen years. She retired in 2012.

Born Oct. 19, 1946, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Bradley C. and Sophie (Debrew) Hosier, Sr. Following her graduation from high school and attending college, she married Jack Gerard Silvernale on June 15, 1983 in Millerton, New York. Their marriage lasted thirty-five years until Jack’s passing on July 28, 2018.

Keep ReadingShow less
Crescendo launches 22nd season
Christine Gevert, artistic director of Crescendo
Steve Potter

Christine Gevert, Crescendo’s artistic director, is delighted to announce the start of this musical organization’s 22nd year of operation. The group’s first concert of the season will feature Latin American early chamber music, performed Oct. 18 and 19, on indigenous Andean instruments as well as the virginal, flute, viola and percussion. Gevert will perform at the keyboard, joined by Chilean musicians Gonzalo Cortes and Carlos Boltes on wind and stringed instruments.

This concert, the first in a series of nine, will be held on Oct. 18 at Saint James Place in Great Barrington, and Oct. 19 at Trinity Church in Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less