The World Premiere of "Pool Boy" at Barrington Stage

Has there ever been a Berkshires theater audience so hoping for a hit? Most of the people who gathered at Barrington Stage Company's Stage 2 in Pittsfield on July 21 know and adore composer Nikos Tsakalakos (near left with his onstage alter ego Jay Armstrong Johnson) who has turned his experiences working poolside at LA's Hotel Bel-Air into Pool Boy, a musical comedy for our times. Produced by BSC's Musical Theater Lab under the aegis of William Finn, this first fully-staged iteration overflows with wonderful songs and sharp humor that pokes fun at the pretensions of modern-day Hollywood. Expertly directed by Daniella Topol on a sleek set, this is still a work in progress, but it's a thrilling chance for audiences to experience the birth of what clearly has the potential to be a major hit. One can imagine how narcissistic audiences in LA would line up to see themselves portrayed on stage in songs such as "In the Muck" and "Mortal Kombat." The cast and crew seemed exhilarated and exhausted at the post-show party at the offices of Berkshire Living in downtown Pittsfield, where they were toasted by friends, family and loyal Barrington Stage supporters.

Actress Sara Gettelfinger, who plays the record producer's wife, Mrs. Duval, with BSC trustee Reba Evenchik and Cortney Wolfson, who plays April, the Pool Boy's sweetheart; scenic designer Brian Prather with BSC artistic director Julianne Boyd.