Holiday theater: Twisted and traditional take the stage

Helen Comer, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
·3 min read
Murfreesboro Little Theater will perform "'Twas the Bite Before Christmas" an original zombie Christmas play by local actress and playwright Catherine Burford. Seen here from left to right Lesloe Joslin as Frosty, Emma Hawkins as Merry and Alex Maynard as Barry are frightened as the Christmas zombies get a little too close for comfort. Performances will be on December 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th at 7:00pm and December 11th and 18th, at 2:00pm at the Mills-Pate Arts Center, 7120 Old Nashville Highway, in Murfreesboro. The play is PG-13 and contains both adult language and violence.

You've awed at the bright holiday lights, applauded at the choir Christmas concert and watched "White Christmas" for the third time—perhaps local live theater performances will provide some added entertainment. In this tale, elves are on the shelf, but also zombies munching on body parts too? Actors for the Murfreesboro Little Theater put the final touches on "'Twas the Bite Before Christmas" during a dress rehearsal on Monday, Nov. 28. This twisted creation is an original zombie Christmas play by local actress and playwright Catherine Burford. It's business as usual at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus and the gang, but when a mysterious figure uses dark magic to raise the dead, the halls are decked with chaos. The play is PG-13 and contains both adult language and violence.

'Twas the Bite Before ChristmasMills-Pate Arts Center, 7120 Old Nashville Hwy., MurfreesboroDec. 9 - 11 and Dec. 16 - 18Showtimes 7 p.m. except Sunday shows at 2 p.m.

More stages for holiday themed theater

Also, check out the schedules for these playhouse performances.

NuncrackersThe Center of the Arts (in Murfreesboro)Dec. 2-4, Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18.Showtimes 7:30 p.m. except Sunday shows at 2 p.m.

A Christmas musical, "Nuncrackers," is presented as the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil, and four of Mount Saint Helen's most talented students. Featuring all new songs including 12 Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain't Comin' to Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us and It's Better to Give than to Receive, this show is filled with typical Nunsense humor, some of your favorite carols, and a "Secret Santa" audience participation. This Nunsense Christmas Show will make you laugh, and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It's the perfect way to ensure that your holiday season is merry and bright!

Elves on the Shelf Ivan Brown, left and Tyge Nelson, right get in position during a scene in the play "Twas the Bite Before Christmas" during the Murfreesboro Little Theater practice on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.
Elves on the Shelf Ivan Brown, left and Tyge Nelson, right get in position during a scene in the play "Twas the Bite Before Christmas" during the Murfreesboro Little Theater practice on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.

The Christmas SchoonerCenter of the Arts of Cannon County (in Woodbury)Dec. 2-4, Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-17.Showtimes 7:30 p.m. except Sunday shows at 2 p.m.

The whole family will enjoy "The Christmas Schooner," a heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. This critically acclaimed musical features a powerfully moving story and an exquisite score of both original music and traditional holiday favorites.

Zombies Dawn Livingston, left and Amanda Sullivan, right munch on some body parts during play practice for "Twas the Bite Before Christmas" on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.
Zombies Dawn Livingston, left and Amanda Sullivan, right munch on some body parts during play practice for "Twas the Bite Before Christmas" on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.

Shrek, Jr.Tucker Theater at MTSUDec. 9thShowtimes 5:30 p.m.  and 7:30 p.m.Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in "Shrek the Musical Jr.," based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. Center Stage Academy presents this story of the "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairytale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Holiday theater: Twisted and traditional take the stage