Actors

At this year’s Berkshire International Film Festival, actor Karen Allen is being honored for a career that has moved effortlessly between blockbuster adventure, comedy classics, independent film, and the stage. Allen became part of movie history as Marion Ravenwood opposite Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark, while also leaving an indelible mark on audiences in films including Starman, The Sandlot, and Animal House.Speaking of Animal House, actor and director Peter Riegert is here, His sharp, grounded performances have made him one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. From Animal House and Local Hero to Crossing Delancey and acclaimed television work, Riegert has built a career defined by intelligence, wit, and versatility.

Actor Charles Busch says, “My life was a bit like the plot of Auntie Mame.” Busch has stories about Linda Lavin, Christopher Isherwood, Lily Tomlin, Angela Landsbury, Vivien Leigh, Marlene Dietrich, and tells us about Gritti Palace, Venice. Plus, he sings.

Eddie Izzard is eager that her solo performance of Hamlet—yes, all the parts—be a pleasure accessible to everyone. “Shakespeare is presented to people these days as: this is good for you. I’ve heard the term ‘spinach theater.’” Izzard also talks to us about Shakespeare and Covent Garden.

Lea DeLaria is a witty jazz singer, an astute comedian, an admired actor (Orange is the New Black). DeLaria tells us about Carol Burnett and her work.

As a young actor Peter Riegert (“Local Hero,” “Crossing Delancey,” “Animal House”) played Goldberg in “The Birthday Party,” overseen by Harold Pinter himself. One speech was particularly opaque. “I had no idea what it meant, but to say these words was to be Isaac Stern on the violin.” Learning to trust the writer.

Patrick Page’s solo show, All the Devils Are Here, explores Shakespeare’s villains. Among his many other celebrated roles—Hades in Hadestown, Scar in The Lion King, Max in The Sound of Music, only some of whom are villainous (your call).

It can be a challenge for even terrific actors like Santino Fontana to stay fresh and focused night after night. “I’ll make up, you know, Gandhi is in the fourth row; do a great show.” Fontana also talks about Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cinc Sentits.

Eddie Izzard is eager that her solo performance of “Hamlet” — yes, all the parts — be a pleasure accessible to everyone. “Shakespeare is presented to people these days as: this is good for you. I’ve heard the term ‘spinach theater.’” Izzard also talks to us about Shakespeare and Covent Garden.

As a young actor Peter Riegert (Local Hero, Crossing Delancey, Animal House) played Goldberg in The Birthday Party, overseen by Harold Pinter himself. One speech was particularly opaque. “I had no idea what it meant, but to say these words was to be Isaac Stern on the violin.” Learning to trust the writer

At 97, Alan Shayne can look back on at least two careers — as an actor and as the head of Warner Brothers Television. Shayne tells us about his people: Marlon Brando, Maureen Stapleton and Michael Shurtleff.