THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010
Photo Credit: Mike Long
Two main messages seem to bombard our culture during the holidays: we are either obsessed as consumers, always searching for that perfect gift or the better price or the best idea; or we focus on the “reason for the season” and look beyond giving to the joys of spending time with family and friends. Generally, we operate somewhere in the middle of those concepts, and try to do and have it all.
In the midst of all of that, it’s easy to forget about the arts, in favor of everything else on the month’s agenda. However, in the Dayton Theatre scene of these next few weeks are several great shows sure to provide holiday joy and entertainment. Seeing one of these productions doesn’t have to become one more facet of your to-do list, but can actually be a way to focus: what better way to do something unique and special as a family than to see a performance together, and how special that gift could be! And there will still be time to finish up the shopping and decorating.
Another Openin’, Another Show
…SHOWS NOT TO MISS
Christmas Belles
DAYTON PLAYHOUSE
The Story: With three squabbling sisters, an ailing Santa, vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator, it’s not surprising this Texan church Christmas pageant is spinning wildly out of control! Add a potentially-derailing family secret and the plan to broadcast the pageant on cable access television to the mix, and you have a hilarious story sure to bring joy to your holiday!
Dates: December 17 – 19
Tickets: 937-424-8477
More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Christmas Belles
Photo Credit: Human Race Theatre
Photo Credit: Human Race Theatre
8-Track: The Sounds of the Seasons
HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY
The Story: This new musical revue celebrates “the songs of the ‘70s in all their glory, or lack thereof! Expect plenty offlashy outfits and hairdos as four talented performers rediscover the heart and soul of the forgotten decade, with music made famous by artists from Donna Summer to the Eagles to Debby Boone” (HRTC).
Dates: December 2 – 22, 2010
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: 8-Track, DMM Event, onStageDayton feature article and review
A Christmas Carol
Photo Credit: Diana Blowers
BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE
The Story: When a young boy struggles to understand why his grandfather would give money to the poor, the grandfather tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he recalls it, and the story of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, where ghosts of past, present, and future persuade the stingy Scrooge to change his life, comes to life as a play-within-a-play in this heartwarming story.
Dates: December 3 – 12, 2010
Tickets: 927-439-4737
More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre, DMM Event, and onStageDayton feature article
White Christmas
LA COMEDIA DINNER THEATRE
The Story: In the stage adaptation of the classic 1954 film, two WWII veterans, now successful song-and-dance performers, follow a duo of singing sisters en route to their Christmas show in Vermont, hoping for romance. But the 80 degree weather has everyone dreaming of a white Christmas!
Dates: through December 31, 2010
Tickets and More Information: La Comedia: White Christmas
Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Photo Credit: Mike Long
Photo Credit: Mike Long
TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE
The Story: The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill… that is, until first grader Junie B. Jones draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school. And if that’s not enough, their music teacher announces the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant!
Dates: December 3 – 19, 2010
Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, DMM Event, and onStageDayton feature article
The Wonder Bread Years
VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION
The Basics: In this comic salute to the Baby Boomer generation, critically acclaimed writer and performer Pat Hazell (“Seinfeld,” “The Tonight Show,” and NPR, among other credits) plays out the fun of Halloween night, Christmas morning, and other high watermarks of our collective American youth of the ‘60s and ‘70s. This hilarious production “gracefully walks the line between stand-up and theater,” and is part of the Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series.
Dates: December 7 – 19, 2010
Tickets: (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630, Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: The Wonder Bread Years
Photo Credit: Dayton Ballet
Photo Credit: Dayton Ballet
The Nutcracker
DAYTON BALLET
The Story: Dayton Ballet brings the classic story of the Nutcracker to life, complete with mice, soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Over 100 local youth participate in this magical performance that has become a much-loved holiday tradition.
Dates: December 10 – 19, 2010
Tickets: 937-228-3639, Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Dayton Ballet: The Nutcracker
~KN
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