Chamber Singers, elves, a radio version of a film classic and the SBSO celebrate holidays

Tribune Staff Report
·8 min read

How far into "The 12 Days of Christmas" are we? Trick question — the 12 days don't begin until Dec. 25. But there's still plenty of holiday-oriented entertainment in and near South Bend, so much so that this week's Five Things to Do will remind you of a certain number of "swans a-swimming."

Also, check out Joseph Dits' Outdoor Adventures column for hikes into the winter solstice that are brightened with luminaries, Swedish treats and Christmas stories, plus other activities in The Tribune's online events calendar.

The host of WNIT Public Television's “What Gives,” Donna Kavanagh stars as the title character in Canterbury Theatre's production of “The Canterbury Christmas Show (With the Grumpy Green Elf!)” from Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at the theater in Michigan City.
The host of WNIT Public Television's “What Gives,” Donna Kavanagh stars as the title character in Canterbury Theatre's production of “The Canterbury Christmas Show (With the Grumpy Green Elf!)” from Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at the theater in Michigan City.

Canterbury Theatre presents Christmas show with the Grumpy Green Elf

MICHIGAN CITY — Canterbury Theatre presents “The Canterbury Christmas Show (With the Grumpy Green Elf!)” from Dec. 16 to 18 at 807 Franklin St.

The 1-hour, interactive show stars Donna Kavanagh as Grumpy Green Elf, who will answer questions about that jolly man in the red suit, as well as the North Pole.

Kavanagh, a native of Michigan City who performed in the 1970 Canterbury Summer Theatre Resident Company, has since made appearances on TV shows such as “Fantasy Island” and “The Love Boat” and in movies such as “Airport ’75” and “Every Which Way But Loose.”

Market Basket:Lexi's Food Fusion with Kensington's Kupcakes offers unique entrées and sweets

She currently hosts “Kavanagh Live” on NPR’s Radio Harbor Country, as well as the television program “What Gives” on WNIT Public Television.

Performances are at 6 p.m. CST Dec. 16, 2 and 6 p.m. CST Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. CST Dec. 18.

Tickets are $15-$9.

For more information, call 219-874-4269 or visit canterburytheatre.org.

Brian Thomas, left, as Clarence and Adam Gilbert as George Bailey rehearse a scene for Elkhart Civic Theatre’s production of "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" that runs Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at the Bristol Opera House.
Brian Thomas, left, as Clarence and Adam Gilbert as George Bailey rehearse a scene for Elkhart Civic Theatre’s production of "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" that runs Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at the Bristol Opera House.

Elkhart Civic stages radio play version of ‘Wonderful Life’

BRISTOL — Elkhart Civic Theatre presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” from Dec. 16 to 18 at the Bristol Opera House, 210 E. Vistula St.

Adapted by Joe Landry with a musical score by Kevin Connors from the 1946 Frank Capra film, the radio play version puts a different spin on it.

Kelsey Crump, left, as Mary and Adam Gilbert as George Bailey rehearse a scene for Elkhart Civic Theatre’s production of "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" that runs Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at the Bristol Opera House.
Kelsey Crump, left, as Mary and Adam Gilbert as George Bailey rehearse a scene for Elkhart Civic Theatre’s production of "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" that runs Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at the Bristol Opera House.

The show includes most of the familiar characters portrayed by a relatively small cast of actors, with almost all of them playing multiple parts. It’s a kind of play-within-a-play, taking place in a 1940s radio studio and is performed in authentic radio-play style, with a radio emcee, applause and on-air signals, actors stepping up to microphones, and live sound effects.

Onstage:The Acting Ensemble opens 'The Bird Boy' at the Mishawaka theater

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 18.

Tickets are $25-$19.

For more information, call 574-848-4116 or visit elkhartcivictheatre.org.

Ashlea Harrington, left, and Tanner Smale perform in the Premier Arts production of “Elf the Musical,” which will be from Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St.
Ashlea Harrington, left, and Tanner Smale perform in the Premier Arts production of “Elf the Musical,” which will be from Dec. 16 to 18, 2022, at The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St.

Premier Arts’ production of ‘Elf the Musical’ opens along with ‘Breakfast with Buddy’ event

ELKHART — Premier Arts presents “Elf the Musical” from Dec. 16 to 18 at The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St.

Adapted from the 2003 film, the musical tells the story of Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

Outdoor Adventures:Birds need you this Christmas. Count in comfort or adventure.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.

Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 18; an all-youth performance of “Elf the Musical Jr.” takes place at 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

Tickets are $25-$12.

In addition, Premier Arts also presents “Breakfast with Buddy the Elf” at 9, 9:30 and 10 a.m. Dec. 17 at The Lerner.

The event includes a meet-and-greet breakfast, a craft, the performance of an Elf medley, a sing-along and more.

Tickets are $25.

Also, The Lerner’s windows have been decorated with “Elf”-themed displays accompanied by music that can be viewed from Main Street.

For more information, call 574-293-4469 or visit premierarts.org.

Irish-American baritone Emmett O’Hanlon is one of the guest artists for the South Bend Symphony Orchestra's annual “Home for the Holidays” concerts on Dec. 17 and 18, 2022, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend.
Irish-American baritone Emmett O’Hanlon is one of the guest artists for the South Bend Symphony Orchestra's annual “Home for the Holidays” concerts on Dec. 17 and 18, 2022, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend.

South Bend Symphony decks the Morris for ‘Home for the Holidays’

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Symphony Orchestra performs its annual “Home for the Holidays” concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St.

The concerts feature guest conductor Geoffery Larson, Irish-American baritone Emmett O’Hanlon, Notre Dame Concordia Octet and Southold Dance Theater.

The program includes “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls” and “White Christmas.”

Geoffery Larson guest-conducts the South Bend Symphony Orchestra for its annual “Home for the Holidays” concerts on Dec. 17 and 18, 2022, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend.
Geoffery Larson guest-conducts the South Bend Symphony Orchestra for its annual “Home for the Holidays” concerts on Dec. 17 and 18, 2022, at the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend.

Larson is the founding music director of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra and currently serves as chorus master and assistant conductor of Berkshire Opera Festival. He also is completing a doctoral thesis at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and has served as assistant conductor of IU Opera and Ballet Theatre.

O’Hanlon has performed with Irish National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and New World Symphony.

He also has been a member of Celtic Thunder and appears on several of the group’s DVD and CD releases.

Photo gallery:Through the years: From the Palace to the Morris Performing Arts Center

Bring a non-perishable food item to the “Home for the Holidays” concert on Dec. 17 or 18 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph County’s food pantry and receive a free ticket to the next Masterworks Series concert, “Kahlor and Brahms,” on March 4.

Tickets are $60-$19, with student tickets half price.

For more information, call 574-235-9190 or visit morriscenter.org.

The dining room of the Chapin Mansion in Niles is decorated for the holidays. The Niles History Center offers a special evening open house Dec. 17, 2022, to see the decorations throughout the 1884 structure.
The dining room of the Chapin Mansion in Niles is decorated for the holidays. The Niles History Center offers a special evening open house Dec. 17, 2022, to see the decorations throughout the 1884 structure.

Niles History Center holds evening open house for decorated Chapin Mansion

NILES — The Niles History Center offers a special evening open house to see the Chapin Mansion decorated for the holidays from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at 508 E. Main St.

Various community groups and businesses decorated the mansion along the theme of “Season’s Greetings.”

Local entrepreneur Henry A. Chapin and his wife, Ruby Chapin, began construction on the three-story red brick Queen Anne house in 1882 and finished it in 1884. The house was donated to Niles in 1933, and from the 1930s to Dec. 7, 2012, it served as Niles City Hall. The Niles History Center took possession of it in May 2013.

Next door, the Fort St. Joseph Museum features exhibits of Pere Noel and the Flying Canoe, French Colonial Christmas traditions and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer historical memorabilia.

The front hall of the Chapin Mansion in Niles is decorated for the holidays. The Niles History Center offers a special evening open house Dec. 17, 2022, to see the decorations throughout the 1884 structure.
The front hall of the Chapin Mansion in Niles is decorated for the holidays. The Niles History Center offers a special evening open house Dec. 17, 2022, to see the decorations throughout the 1884 structure.

Rudolph has a historical connection to Niles. The character was created by Robert May for the Montgomery Ward’s Department Store. Niles is the childhood home of A. Montgomery Ward, the store’s founder.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 269-845-4054 or visit nileshistorycenter.org.

The South Bend Chamber Singers present the ensemble's annual "Christmas at Loretto" concert Dec. 18, 2022, at the Church of Loretto on the campus of Saint Mary's College.
The South Bend Chamber Singers present the ensemble's annual "Christmas at Loretto" concert Dec. 18, 2022, at the Church of Loretto on the campus of Saint Mary's College.

Chamber Singers ensemble performs ‘Christmas at Loretto’

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Chamber Singers present “Christmas at Loretto” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Church of Loretto on the campus of Saint Mary’s College.

A newly commissioned piece, “Unbound Angels,” by American composer Joseph Gregorio will receive its world premiere. The concert also features a work by Kola Owolabi, professor of organ at the University of Notre Dame.

Earlier works include music by Nathaniel Dett, Gaston Litaize and Gerald Finzi, with new works by William Averitt, J. David Moore, Richard Burchard, Anthony Maglione, Eric William Barnum, Kathleen Allan and Jen Wagner.

The concert closes with “Silent Night,” arranged by Malcolm Sargent, sung by candlelight.

Nancy Menk conducts, with assistance from Kari Francis. Instrumentalists include Kevin Vaughn, organ and piano, and Steven Ingle, bassoon.

Masks are required in the church.

Tickets are $25.

For more information, call 574-284-4625 or visit saintmarys.edu/christmas-loretto.

The cast of Twin City Players' production of “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” includes, from left standing, Marion Pritchard, Tim McFeeters, Jacob Holmes, Allen Pille, Mel Weber, Cassi File, Kelsey Trux, Rachel Thursby and Avery Saylor, and, kneeling and sitting, Claire Guderjahn and Anna Pille. The play continues through Dec. 18, 2022, at the theater in St. Joseph.

Last chance to see Austen sequel ‘Christmas at Pemberley’

ST. JOSEPH — “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” continues through Dec. 18 at Twin City Players, 600 W. Glenlord Road.

Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, the play takes place two years after Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” ends.

In it, the Bennet sisters and their spouses gather at Pemberley, the stately home of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, to celebrate Christmas.

Literary accolades:South Bend inspired Tess Gunty's 'The Rabbit Hutch.' It just won the National Book Award.

Bookish middle sister Mary unexpectedly encounters shy Arthur de Bourgh and finds a kindred spirit and intellectual equal. But, because Arthur is a “single man in possession of a good fortune,” she’s hardly his only suitor, and Mary must learn to be the heroine of her own story in this holiday romance.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $15-$10.

For more information, call 269-429-0400 or visit twincityplayers.org.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Elves, the South Bend Symphony, a historic house and more on tap