Lubbock entertainment in brief

Ragtown Gospel presents 'Bethlehem'

Ragtown Gospel Theater in Post presents "Bethlehem: A Christmas Musical" every Saturday at 3 p.m. through Dec. 17, with the exception of Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving weekend).

Written by Chip Polk and directed by Glenn Polk, This beautiful Christmas musical begins with the creation of man, and culminates in the birth of Jesus. The story depicts the events leading to the birth of the Savior presented from God’s perspective. It reveals the depths of His devotion to mankind, even before He breathed life into Adam. Fully aware of all that was to occur, including the requirement for Jesus to sacrifice His life, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit still chose to create man.

The production features seven original songs and a cast led by director Glenn Polk, in the role of God the FatherChip Polk and Jeff Bailey will be performing a special Christmas concert prior to each performance.

Adult tickets are $22 and child tickets are $10 each. Veterans and active military are admitted for free.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ragtown.com

CATS Playhouse hosts Christmas Vaudeville Show

Start your holiday season with some great laughs at the CATS Playhouse Christmas Vaudeville Show.

The Show runs at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 at the theater, 2257 3th St.

Tickets are $10 each for all ages and may be purchased on our website at catsplayhouse.ludus.com

Cinemark presents 'I Heard the Bells'

Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., presents "I Heard the Bells" at 4 p.m. on Dec. 4.

"I Heard the Bells" tells the inspiring true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known as America’s Poet, Henry leads an idyllic life – until the day his world is shattered by tragedy.

With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it’s the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet’s lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith. Experience this debut feature by Sight & Sound Films.

Tickets for this special event are $12.45 and available online in advance at www.fathomevents.com/events/I-Heard-The-Bells

Alamo hosting 'Gremlins' movie party

Wreak havoc Mogwai-style at a fun, interactive movie party screening of "Gremlins" at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at Alamo Drafthouse.

Joe Dante’s "Gremlins" continues to be a pop culture sensation, with its darkly funny story of a small-town guy who receives a furry little creature called a Mogwai that ends up multiplying into a swarm of monsters who rip the town to shreds. Frankly, wanton destruction has never been so fun.

Rand Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) is an inventor who hasn't successfully invented anything. But this Christmas he's bringing his family something special -- a small, cuddly creature known as a mogwai. The little fella comes with three crucial instructions: Keep him out of the sunlight, never get him wet and never, ever, ever feed him after midnight. If Rand and his son Billy (Zach Galligan) can adhere to these rules, sure, mogwai are great pets.

But, of course, they don’t follow the rules and all hell breaks loose in sleepy little Kingston Falls. It’s up to Billy and his girlfriend (Phoebe Cates) to stop the mischievous, murderous little monsters.

At the "Gremlins" Movie Party, we won’t let you tear the place apart or ruin our electronics, but we will have all kinds of fun props available to help you get in on the action, including paper plates to throw around during the kitchen fight, and masks so you can choose #TeamSpike or #TeamGizmo.

Tickets for this movie party are $15.15 and available in advance online at drafthouse.com/lubbock/event/movie-party-gremlins

Join Alamo for 'The Holiday' brunch

Is there a better combination than Jude Law and mimosas?

Join Alamo Drafthouse Lubbock for a special brunch screening of "The Holiday" at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

We could all use an escape every now and then. That’s certainly true for Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet), two strangers who connect online and temporarily swap houses as a means of escaping from the stresses of their lives. And we’re inviting you to escape with us for a little bit with this special brunch screening of Nancy Meyers’ utterly charming rom-com, "The Holiday".

We’ll have a delicious brunch menu (including mimosas, of course) available for purchase, so you can unwind and watch Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet partake in some self-love and some love-love (Hey, Jude Law. Oh hi, Jack Black).

With charismatic movie stars, enchanting settings, and a heaping helping of humor and romance, it’ll feel like a mini-vacation in the middle of your busy season.

Order from the tasty brunch menu and pair with a brunch cocktail classic.

Tickets for the movie are $10 and available in advance online at drafthouse.com/lubbock/event/the-holiday-brunch

Cinemark screens 40th anniversary of 'Dark Crystal'

Cinemark Tinseltown Lubbock and XD, 2535 82nd St., will host a special screening of "The Dark Crystal" for a 40th anniversary re-release at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, and Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Another world, another time… in the age of Wonder. From genius filmmaker Jim Henson comes The Dark Crystal, a masterful live-action fantasy starring some of the most imaginative creatures ever put on film.

Many years ago, the mysterious Crystal was cracked and an age of chaos began, led by the evil race of Skeksis who rule over the land of Thra. Meanwhile, raised in solitude by a gentle race of creatures called the Mystics, the Gelfling orphan Jen, is sent on a quest to find the missing shard that will heal the Dark Crystal and restore balance to the universe.

The special anniversary event will feature a brand-new introduction with Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, on the making of this groundbreaking film and its dedicated fandom, as well as the legacy of her father, Jim Henson.

Tickets for this special screening are $12.45 and available online in advance at www.fathomevents.com/

Cactus hosting benefit concert

A Remembering Johannes Bjerregaard fundraising event for his family, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Cactus Theater.

Musical genius Bjerregaard died on Nov. 2 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was an incredible mentor to all of the musicians, singers, and production personnel he came in contact with - and was absolutely the best of the best.

His musical associates, friends, Caldwell Productions and the Cactus Theater are joining together to produce a concert in his honor and to benefit his family.

There will also be a silent auction of items donated by individuals and Lubbock businesses. If you would like to contribute an item to the silent auction, contact Katie Sandifer at: Katiesandifer1128@gmail.com or call (719) 534-3088.

Tickets for this special benefit show are $25 for reserved floor and balcony; and $50 for balcony box seats, which include concessions.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

Cinemark presents 'Johnny Cash' biopic

Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., is hosting a special screening of "Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon" at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 6 and 7.

At the end of his rope, Johnny Cash stumbled into a cave and laid down in the dark. But death didn’t come calling; God did. "Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon is the untold story of how “The Man in Black” saw the light.

"Johnny Cash" focuses on a critical period in the country music legend’s life and career when he went from singing hymns in the cotton fields to playing sold-out stadiums. At the mountaintop professionally, a cycle of depression and drug addiction left Cash in the lowest valley personally.

Featuring never-before-heard conversations with the Man in Black himself, the documentary follows Cash’s road to redemption and return to his faith, as country music stars Marty Stuart, Wynonna Judd, Tim McGraw and many others share their insights into the life and legacy of the artist, man and friend.

Tickets for this special event are $12.45 and available online in advance at www.fathomevents.com/

Celtic Angels Christmas set for Dec. 7

Celtic Angels Christmas will have their first appearance at the Cactus Theater for a holiday show at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Celtic Angels Christmas is a joyous celebration from start to finish, encompassing vocal and instrumental holiday and Irish favorites. Paired with show stopping world-class champion Irish dancing and a full, live band, Celtic Angels Christmas is sure to awe and entertain.

Starring the quintessential vocals of Louise Barry, Olivia Bradley, Michaela Groth, Katie Sweeney and Chloe Haven, these dynamic divas enthrall and delight with their jaw-dropping performances and spine-tingling harmonies.

The musical arrangements by Peter Sheridan (Cavan, Celtic Thunder) ingeniously marries the old and new worlds with traditional and contemporary Irish and holiday tunes.

Under the watchful eye of assistant director Sarah Costello (Belfast, ADCRG), the Celtic Knight Dancers seem to defy gravity as they command the stage with their powerful, percussive presence. Written, directed and choreographed by Louise Barry (Dublin, The Diddley Idols / National Theatre) this wonderfully nostalgic journey will having you dashing through the snow to the local snugs of Ireland, where a step is expected, sing-alongs are mandatory and good craic is had by all.

Tickets for this show are $37.50 for the first four floor rows (A-D); $32.50 for remaining floor seats; $27.50 for standard balcony; and $65 for balcony box seats (includes concessions).

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

Ballet Lubbock presents 'The Nutcracker' Dec. 8-11

Ballet Lubbock presents "The Nutcracker" 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11.

The annual holiday event will be presented in the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.

Journey through the Land of the Sweets with Ballet Lubbock in this annual production.

Tickets range from $25 to $115 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/

LCT presents 'It's a Wonderful Life' radio play

Lubbock Community Theater presents "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17, and at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 18, at 3101 35th St.

Based on the story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern and adapted by Joe Landry, the production is directed by Kerstin Vaughn.

"It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" is based on the classic holiday movie with a clever twist thrown in: the story is staged as a live radio broadcast. Actors portray numerous characters, and sound effects are created by Foley artists.

"It’s a Wonderful Life" tells the tale of George Bailey, a generous and well-meaning man who has become too downcast and tired to continue living. It will take help from Clarence, a lovable angel in training, to show George what life would be like if he wasn’t born for George to have a change of heart and understand the true spirit of the holidays.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors (65+) and children and students (with ID).

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lubbockcommunitytheatre.org

Gaschen presents Christmas show at Cactus

David Gaschen returns to the Cactus Theater for A Celebration of Christmas at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.

Come have your heart lifted in the true spirit of the season and be delightfully entertained as Lubbock native and Broadway star, David Gaschen, performs songs you will know and some that have been specially created to fit his beautiful voice.

All floor and standard balcony seats are $25; box seats are $50, including concessions.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

Cinemark to screen Met performance of 'The Hours'

Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., will screen The Live in HD production of "The Hours" at 11:55 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.

Soprano Renée Fleming makes her highly anticipated return to the Met in the world-premiere production of Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Kevin Puts’s The Hours, adapted from Michael Cunningham’s acclaimed novel.

Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and made a household name by the Oscar-winning 2002 film version starring Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman, the powerful story follows three women from different eras who each grapple with their inner demons and their roles in society.

The exciting premiere radiates with star power, with soprano Kelli O’Hara and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato joining Fleming as the opera’s trio of heroines. Phelim McDermott directs this compelling drama, with Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to conduct Puts’s poignant and powerful score.

Tickets for this special event are $27.06 for adults and $24.90 for seniors.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fathomevents.com/

Grand Ol' Christmas Show at Cactus

Will Hearn's the Grand Ol' Christmas Show will be live at the Cactus Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show is a live, one-of-a-kind musical comedy bringing all-time favorite Christmas classics and original sketch comedy antics to theaters across Texas.

An original by The Grand Ol’ Production Company, produced by Will Hearn and featuring Americana standout Blue Water Highway and a cast of the best artists and entertainers in Texas.

The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show is presented as a vintage-era radio broadcast at the 1225 AM N-O-E-L Radio Studios and in front of a live studio audience.

Made for both the boomer and the millennial music lover, this progressively nostalgic tribute to American Christmas traditions cleverly blurs the lines between heartfelt nostalgia and contemporary pop culture satire. You don't want to miss this original and truly inspiring holiday program that gets better every year.

Tickets are $42.50 for first four rows (A-D); $37.50 for rows E-H; $32.50 for rows J-M; $27.50 for standard balcony; and $75 for balcony box seats, concessions included.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

Murphey brings Cowboy Christmas to Cactus for 2 shows

Michael Martin Murphey brings his Cowboy Christmas to the Cactus Theater for two shows at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12.

The touring tradition was born in the early 1990s, when Murphey produced an album of cowboy Christmas songs (he has since produced two holiday-themed albums and one DVD (all available on his website) and has developed into the multi-media production it is today.

Murphey has been a major part of America’s musical landscape for four decades. His huge hits include “Wildfire,” “Carolina In The Pines,” “Long Line of Love,” “What’s Forever For,” “Geronimo’s Cadillac” and “Cowboy Logic.” A multiple Grammy nominee and an inductee into the Western Music Hall of Fame, the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and winner of the Texas Music Award for Best Album, Murphey is a working cowboy who embraces and celebrates what he calls the cowboy culture — a life based on faith, family, hard work and a passion for conservation and the environment. He says that this philosophy has a strong impact on his holiday show, as does his own family background.

Tickets are $70 for first four rows, A-D; $50 for rows E-K; $40 for rows L-M; $100 for balcony box seats (includes concessions); $45 for balcony front row; and $35 for remainder of balcony seats.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

Alamo hosts 'Little Women' brunch

Join Alamo Drafthouse for a special brunch menu and screening of "Little Women" (2019) at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

Having already once revolutionized the coming-of-age story with her debut LADY BIRD, Greta Gerwig has somehow outdone herself with this gorgeous and thoroughly original rendition of the beloved Louisa May Alcott classic.

Bringing her effusive humor, authenticity, and irresistible warmth to the otherwise mannered Civil War-era New England, Gerwig's adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN breathes visceral new life into the March sisters – portraying them as unique, complicated, flawed, and astonishingly human. So human that you will leave the theater wanting to text Jo March and, for several reasons, this will not be a possibility.

You may also find it physically impossible not to chef's kiss at the cast, which is as close to pitch-perfect as it gets. Starring Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth, "Little Women" also features Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk, and Timothée Chalamet as the dashing but lovelorn Laurie.

Tickets for this special screening are $10 and available online in advance at drafthouse.com/lubbock/event/

Cinemark to screen '5,000 Blankets'

Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., and Cinemark Tinseltown Lubbock and XD, 2535 82nd St., are hosting a special screening of "5,000 Blankets" at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13.

Inspired by a remarkable true story, when her husband has a mental breakdown and goes missing, a determined woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city.

Tickets for this special screening are $12.45 and available in advance online at www.fathomevents.com/

'Conan' returns for 40th anniversary screening

Cinemark Tinseltown Lubbock and XD, 2535 82nd St., will screen "Conan the Barbarian" for its 40th anniversary at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13.

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the original action-packed epic adventure Conan the Barbarian. Following his parents’ savage murder, young Conan (Schwarzenegger) is captured by the cold-blooded Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones) and spends the next 15 years in agony, first chained to the Wheel of Pain and then enslaved as a Pit Fighter.

Rather than allowing this brutal fate to conquer him, Conan builds an incomparable body and an indomitable spirit — both of which he needs when he suddenly finds himself a free man. Aided by his companions Subotai the Mongol (Gerry Lopez) and Valeria, Queen of Thieves (Sandahl Bergman), Conan sets out to solve the “riddle of steel,” seize ultimate power and, finally, take revenge on the warlord who killed his family.

This special anniversary event will include bonus content never-before-seen on the big screen.

Tickets for this event are $12.45 and available online at fathomevents.com

Daily & Vincent bring Holly Jolly Christmas to Cactus

A Holly Jolly Christmas with Dailey & Vincent is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Cactus Theater.

Grand Ole Opry Members, Five-time GRAMMY® award winners individually, three-time GRAMMY® award nominees collectively, four-time DOVE Award winners, and winners of 35 IBMA Awards altogether (including 3-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award winners and 3-Time Vocal Group of the Year Award winners), Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, backed by one of the best bands on tour today, are some of the most reputable and elite entertainers in American music; bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music.

Now on Season 3 of their nationally broadcast television series, “The Dailey & Vincent Show on RFD-TV,” Dailey & Vincent bring their music to a national audience on a weekly basis.

After a decade spent performing together and with more than 1,000 airings of their PBS special “Dailey & Vincent ALIVE – In Concert,” their concoction of fantastically instinctive vocal blends of Dailey’s tenor and Vincent’s reedy harmonies has gained them well-deserved praise for their own distinctive style and worldwide recognition as American Music gold.

Their most recent live CD, “Dailey & Vincent ALIVE,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts and remained at the top position for more than 15 weeks.

Tickets for this show are $45 for rows A-E; $40 for remainder of floor and ADA seats; $35 for regular balcony seats; and $75 for balcony box seats, including concessions.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

Sesame Street Live comes to Hub City

Sesame Street Live: Make Your Magic comes to the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 and 16.

Join your favorite Sesame Street friends for a magical adventure when Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic visits your neighborhood. Elmo and Abby Cadabby team up to learn how determination and practice are the best ways to reach your goals. Along the way, they are joined by Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Count and Rosita to discover why it’s okay to make mistakes and real magic can be found when you believe in yourself. With high-energy dancing and an introduction to the art of illusion, you’ll enjoy every magical moment with your family and friends.

*Note: Costumes not permitted for guests 14 years and older.

Reserved seat tickets range from $20 to $65 (plus taxes and fees), depending on seating.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/

Caldwell Kids Christmas presents two shows

The Caldwell Kids Christmas at the Cactus returns this holiday season with two shows at the Cactus Theater: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 17.

Bring your entire family for a wonderful night that will make memories of a lifetime. This show will run for two nights. If you have never seen a Caldwell Kids Christmas concert, you are in for a real treat.

This is not just an average kids' show – these are the best of the best from the region and are all students of the Caldwell Kids Music program produced by Terri and Cami Caldwell.

You will be blown away by the talent as the kids are backed by the stellar Caldwell Collective band in this full-blown professional show.

Reserved seating tickets are $25; children 12 and younger, $12.50; and $50 for reserved box seats.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

Bargatze brings comedy tour to Holly Hall

Nate Bargatze brings his Raincheck Tour to the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.

Hailed this year as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” by The Atlantic Magazine and a “Rising Star,” by CBS Morning, 2021 Grammy nominated comedian and podcaster Nate Bargatze is selling out shows across the world.

Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable, evident in his ten appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on Conan four times, was a recurring guest on @midnight, and had his own Comedy Central Presents in 2011. Off-screen, Nate was part of Jimmy Fallon’s Clean-Cut Comedy Tour, and has done live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait five times.

Reserved seat tickets range from $39.75 to $79.75 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/

Cactus Family Christmas set for Dec. 18

Cactus Family Christmas 2022 is set for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Cactus Theater.

From your favorite Christmas hymns - to your favorite contemporary Christmas music arrangements and tons of toe-tapping fun - you're promised a wonderful, memorable night of celebration.

Join your current and longtime favorites Kurt Kiser, Jeff McCreight, Kassidy King, Jason Fellers, Brandon Gwinn, Sheena Fadeyi, Blackwater Draw, Addie Bleu - and a slew of young talented newcomers who will blow you away plus the incredible Caldwell Collective Band, for a night of once-in-a-lifetime memories! We promise the new, young talent presented at this year’s celebration will warm your heart like hot apple cider.

Tickets are $25 for reserved seat adults; $12.50 for children 12 and younger; and $50 for reserved box seats, including concessions.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cactustheater.com

See 'It's a Wonderful Life' on the big screen

Turner Classic Movies Big Screen Classics presents "It's A Wonderful Life" at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 3:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Cinemark Movies 16 and XD, 5721 58th St., Lubbock, Cinemark Tinseltown Lubbock and XD, 2535 82nd St., Lubbock and at Cinemark Town Centre Cinema 6, 1001 I-27 Highway North 20, Plainview.

Embraced as a cherished holiday tradition by families around the world, Frank Capra’s heart-warming masterpiece now celebrates 75 years with this big-screen event.

George Bailey (James Stewart) sets aside his dreams of world travel to run his father’s small community bank, and protect the people of Bedford Falls from greedy businessman Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When a costly mistake pushes George to the brink of despair, a visit from a kindly angel (Henry Travers) will show George how the life of one good man can change the world forever.

Tickets for this special holiday event are $12.45 and can be purchased online in advance at www.fathomevents.com/

Cirque Dreams Holidaze comes to Holly Hall

Cirque Dreams Holidaze comes to the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, and Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style musical around an infusion of contemporary circus arts and artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.

As lights dim and the music swells, a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters, Gingerbread, Reindeer, Ballerinas, Penguins and more, come to life invoking the dreams behind a child’s eye on this most magical of nights.

With an original music score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and with new sets, scenery, and storylines, this family-friendly production is sure to put a twinkle in your eye.

Reserved seat tickets range from $29 to $99 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.buddyhollyhall.com/

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock entertainment in brief