Benjamin Lerner PERFORMER

Hi, Friends. Last week, I had the privilege of attending a rehearsal of Benjamin Lerner: PERFORMER. Many of you know that Benjamin is my colleague and that I have long admired his work as a musician and recovery advocate.

What I saw was a seamless, heartfelt, and engaging journey through Benjamin’s life. His show is a brave musical memoir that weaves rap, piano, monologue, and video art. It has universal appeal and goes above and beyond what some may think is just going to be a super-cool rap concert (it is that, too!) Benjamin had me groovin’ to his beats, even as I paid close attention to the story of his addiction and ultimately, his recovery. He guides us through with his rhymes, surprises us in the touching, quieter moments of solo piano, and presents his life thus far with such incredible clarity and intent. I have never seen anything like it, and I mean that in the most positive way.

While it can be a challenging story to hear, and for some, difficult to directly relate to, it is ultimately a beautiful narrative of addiction and recovery that can be appreciated by all. Every word Benjamin says, every note he plays, is a sign of his triumph over addiction. I left the rehearsal feeling inspired, not defeated; hopeful, not depressed. I’m very excited to see the show with other audience members as I know the energy will be palpable. Come join us.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to two local recovery organizations, as well as Barrington Stage Company’s Musical Theatre Lab. For tickets and more about Benjamin’s incredible show at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA, see below!

Benjamin Lerner (Musician, Recovery Advocate, and Viral Content Creator) to Perform Benefit Concert at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on September 3, 2025

[East Arlington, Vermont]—Nationally recognized musician, social media content creator, writer, radio host, and recovery advocate Benjamin Lerner will take the stage for a powerful one- night-only concert of his new show PERFORMER on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at The Boyd-Quinson Stage at Barrington Stage Company (BSC) in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

As a recovering IV fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine addict, now sober since June 13, 2016, Lerner fearlessly channels the lessons he has learned over the course of his sobriety into his music, combining elements of Hip-Hop, Classical Piano, Spoken Word, Jazz, Folk, and Melodic Standards to create a unique and powerful sound. Lerner brings audiences on a musical journey that traces his struggle with addiction and his inspiring path to recovery.

All proceeds from this special concert will support three Berkshire-based organizations that play vital roles in fostering artistry, creative voices, and recovery: BSC's Musical Theatre Lab, which nurtures emerging musical theater voices; the George B. Crane Memorial Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to offering addiction recovery support through peer recovery groups and community outreach programs; and Living in Recovery, a peer-driven, peer-led nonprofit focused on helping individuals maintain recovery, rebuild their lives, and connect with the greater community through social events, peer support groups, and community advocacy.

“We are excited to welcome Benjamin for his debut at the Barrington Stage Company,” said Alan Paul, Artistic Director of BSC. “The arts are a powerful force for change and can significantly impact society, and we are eager to share his voice with our community.”

Lerner adds, “I’m committed to sharing my story of addiction and recovery, in the hopes of raising community awareness. I am honored that BSC, the George B. Crane Memorial Center, and Living in Recovery, are giving me the opportunity to share my platform with the Berkshire community on this powerful multi-organizational initiative.”

“Benjamin’s story is unique,” says Dr. Joshua Sherman, CEO of Old Mill Road Media and Publisher of Berkshire Magazine, “but if there’s anything I’ve learned in working with him since 2018, is that when Benjamin shares his story, he creates a space in which others can share their stories of how addiction has affected their lives.”

Tickets are now on sale at Barrington Stage Company.