With Thanksgiving almost here, it's normally the time of year when community theatre groups roll out their holiday shows.
Usually, you'll find more than one group presenting shows on the same weekend, since there's only a limited number of weekends between Turkey Day and Christmas - but this year, there's a surprising shortage of holiday shows.
In fact, the only one I've heard about is Mary, a seasonal favorite being presented in Charleston by CYAC for the 12th year! Those shows run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6 (and I'll have more about it later this week).
The Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) has a long-running tradition of presenting A Christmas Carol every holiday, but that theatre group is still on hiatus after last Spring's accident on the set of Sweeney Todd. (Word has it that they'll be presenting shows again in the Spring of 2009.)
Fifth Avenue Theatre in Huntington also has a two-year tradition of presenting A Christmas Carol, but has apparently decided to take a break this year.
First Stage Theatre Company has presented several Christmas shows in the past, including A Christmas Carol (natch), A Christmas Story (twice) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but that group is also taking this holiday off.
If there are any shows out there I'm missing, gentle readers, let me know - but it looks like this year, other than Mary, we'll have to settle for watching A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV for the umpteenth time.
4 comments:
Hi Chuck,
I don't have complete details for all of these, but there's three other holiday shows happening in Charleston. Children's Theatre is presenting "Babes In Toyland" next week. Charleston Stage Company brings the one man show, "The Santaland Diaries" to the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre December 11-13. That same weekend, Kanawha Players presents John Jakes' adaptation of "A Christmas Carol".
I'll see if I can track down their PR people and get them to send you some details.
Chuck
There is a lot to do in Portsmouth Ohio for the Holiday season A Beautiful Renaissance Feaste and the Classic story of Miracle on 34th Street.
The Portsmouth Little Theatre is doing Miracle on 34th Street.
December 5,6 and 12,13,with a matinee on the 6. It is a great cast and Ivy Idzakovich is little Susan Walker (Macy and Ravan's little sister from Cats and Millie!) There is a great cast of over 30 and is Directed by Michael Stapelton and Jason Chaney. The Portsmouth Little Theatre is celebrating their 60th Anniversary! Tickets are available at the theatre at 1117 Lawson Street or by calling 740-353-7034
Also THE Portsmouth West High School is doing A Renaissance Feaste. Once every 4 years the entire choir comes together with costumes and props of olde to host a magnificent Feaste. Songs, food, dance along with a king and queen and their court. Under the Direction of Mrs. Linda Tieman, suitable for the entire family. Tickets can be purchased by calling 740 858-1103 The Feaste will be held at Portsmouth West High School, Route 52 West. December 6, at 6:00pm. (Reservations are required)
So come to Portsmouth to watch Miracle on 34th Street or Ye Olde Yuletide Feaste during the month of December!
Thanks so much Chuck for asking!
Shirlee Idzakovich
You forgot one, for all intents and purposes the 1940s Radio Hour is a Christmas/Holiday Show. The broadcast portrayed during the play, occurs on December 21, 1942. In fact, it happens on a snowy NYC night and is dedicated as a Christmas gift to the boys overseas.
There is a dramatization of a scene from "A Christmas Carol", Mary Olson sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", and the entire company gets involved in a rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells."
In addition to these classics, there of course is several other numbers from the Big Band Era.
Thanks for the posts so far on the 1940s, we are very excited as we are just over a week away from opening previews.
Melanie, Shirlee and Stephen, thanks for the corrections - that's what I get for writing before doing more research! Appreciate you all setting me straight!
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