NYT: Williamstown Theater Festival Was in Crisis. Here’s How It’s Changing.

[MezzA101]

Posted: 7/16/25 at 6:30am

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/theater/williamstown-festival.html?unlocked_article_code=1.W08.KEQU.FlxjyAh8JUJ8&smid=nytcore-android-share 

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 7/16/25 at 7:54am

Brings Harris in to transform WTF

then, spends an additional few million on less programming

???????

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/16/25 at 8:41am

Fewer performances doesn’t mean less programming. Considering that WTF has been on life support for the last several years — and was nearly killed by the previous artistic director who should have been sacked long before she got the hook — having a season with actual productions and a few big names feels like a return to form. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 7/16/25 at 8:43am

Last year (and the years before) they barely produced anything. Costs have also been driven up post-pandemic, especially now that they’re actually paying people.

I hope the model works. It’s different and audacious, and it’s always heartening to see legacy institutions taking big swings when so many others are scaling back programming or being more conservative.

[MezzA101]

Posted: 7/18/25 at 7:40pm

The Stars of This Year’s Williamstown Theatre Festival—Pamela Anderson, Amber Heard, Chris Messina, and More—Captured by Hunter Abrams | Vogue

https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/williamstown-theatre-festival-2025-hunter-abrams

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 7/19/25 at 12:32am

I’ve never been before and going tomorrow to see Camino Real. Looking forward to it!

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/20/25 at 8:10am

Can anyone who’s seen Camino Real or Not About Nightingales provide approximate running times?

[dan94]

Posted: 7/20/25 at 6:11pm

Camino Real is 2h30. Not About Nightingales is close to a full 3 hours. Started the customary late time  but was leaving the theatre a full 3h5m after the advertised start time.

Spirit of the People (the new JOH play) had to be close to 3h15m at my performance. Hard to say exactly because of the yondr pouches, but if you're going to see that one prepare for a long (yet interesting) evening.

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/21/25 at 10:44am

Thank you! I have no interest in Spirit of the People so the running time is irrelevant to me. Although I do find it interesting that Harris once professed his love of texting during plays and is now making his audience lock up their phones during his own play. I'll be seeing the other two next weekend.

Updated On: 7/21/25 at 10:44 AM

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 7/21/25 at 12:40pm

dan94 said: "Camino Real is 2h30. Not About Nightingales is close to a full 3 hours. Started the customarylate time but was leaving the theatre a full 3h5m after the advertised start time.

Spirit of the People (the new JOH play) had to be close to 3h15m at my performance. Hard to say exactly because of the yondr pouches, but if you're going to see that one prepare for a long (yet interesting) evening."

Can you speak of the productions themselves?  

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 7/21/25 at 1:42pm

I can only speak for Camino Real. I went in knowing nothing about the show or the plot. It is a very bizarre fever dream, and I’m not sure I entirely get it (or if we are supposed to). All of the acting is great, Pamela Anderson is truly great and I’m so happy she is having her moment in the sun. Worth seeing for sure. I’m not entirely sure I enjoyed it (lol) but I can’t stop thinking about it, so that has to count for something.

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 7/21/25 at 9:54pm

AC126748 said: "Can anyone who’s seen Camino Real or Not About Nightingales provide approximate running times?"

2:40 and 3:00, respectively.