Lubbock entertainment in brief
Alamo hosting 'Elf' movie party
Alamo Drafthouse Lubbock, 120 W. Loop 289, is hosting an "Elf" movie party at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12.
Don’t be a cotton-headed ninnymuggins this holiday season. Come out to Alamo Drafthouse and spread the cheer at this sugar-fueled, interactive holiday spectacular, packed with games, props, and, of course, singing loud for all to hear.
Bundle up for this celebration of one of the best holiday films ever made, period. Will Ferrell’s take on a North Pole elf trying to figure out Manhattan (“Watch out! The yellow ones don’t stop!”) just might be the funniest he’s ever been.
The "Elf" Movie Party features all sorts of fun props, a themed contest before the film, and a “real” snowball fight in the theater.
Tickets for this movie party are $15.15 and available for purchase online at drafthouse.com/lubbock
LCT to present 'A Christmas Story'
The Lubbock Community Theatre continues the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" Friday through Sunday, 10-12 and 17-19.
This family classic is directed by Marla Maresca.
The play is written by Philip Grecian and based on the motion picture "A Christmas Story" written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark; and on the book "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by Jean Shepherd.
Humorist Jean Shepherd's memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee's Department Store. The consistent response: "You'll shoot your eye out!"
All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family's temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys' experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie's father winning a lamp shaped like a woman's leg in a net stocking; Ralphie's fantasy scenarios and more.
Tickets for this show are $20 for adults; and $15 for students and seniors and may be purchased online at www.lubbockcommunitytheatre.org
CATS to present 'The Christmas Toyshop'
CATS Playhouse, 2257 24th St., wraps up its holiday production of "The Christmas Toyshop" by Michele L. Vaca at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12.
A synopsis: It is Dec. 23 in a small town somewhere — not too long ago. As darkness falls, distant sleigh bells are heard, accompanied by the faint chattering and giggling of many high-pitched elfin voices. After a moment, a tall, mysterious figure in a long, dark cloak enters, nods, gives a signal, then departs. Suddenly a group of unusual, energetic little beings dash in, and within moments, these elf-like creatures transform a deserted storefront into a colorful and fully equipped toyshop.
The next morning the townspeople are amazed at the sudden appearance of a toyshop, and many curiously investigate. A sign over the door identifies the proprietor as "Nicholas S. Claus." His assistant, Nix, has pointed ears and shoes and speaks to the toys as though they were alive. Although Claus and Nix are terribly busy, they do take time to make friends with some of the people of the town.
General admission tickets for this show are $10 each and are available for purchase online at www.catsplayhouse.com
Santa Land under way for the season
Join the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department for a Lubbock tradition as it kicks off its 65th Annual Santa Land. The Santa Land festivities continue through Thursday, Dec. 23.
Visitors can stop by daily from 6 to 10 p.m. at 600 Cesar E. Chavez Drive. Parks and Recreation brings this annual event to the children and families of West Texas at no charge.
For more information, contact the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department at 806-775-2673, or visit its website at www.playlubbock.com.
The event traditionally features some live music, snack and photos booths as well as wood fire pits to stay warm.
Movies 16 hosts special screening of 'On Golden Pond'
TCM Big Screen Classics Presents "On Golden Pond 40th Anniversary" at 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Movies 16 Lubbock, 5721 58th St.
Henry Fonda, brilliant as Norman Thayer Jr, angry about being 80 and losing his faculties – Hepburn, his fine all devoted wife who shared his summers at their Maine lakefront home – and the alienated daughter, played by Jane Fonda.
This 40th anniversary event that includes exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies.
Tickets for this special anniversary screening are $12.45 and available for purchase online in advance at www.fathomevents.com
Carll brings country to Cactus
Hayes Carll and his full band are scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave.
The country simplicity that imbues Carll’s songs can sometimes hide the social conscience and sharp humor that also runs through them, but if you want to find those things, they are there. In fact, Carll has spent more than 20 years having a conversation about what it is we’re all doing here with anyone who will listen. He makes us laugh––but then he makes us cry.
Two Americana Music Awards, a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song, and multiple Austin Music Awards line his resumé́. He’s had the most-played record on Americana radio twice. His songs appear on the screen regularly and have been recorded by Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, and Brothers Osborne, to name a few.
Tickets for this concert are $27.50 for the first 4 rows (A-D); $25 for the remainder of floor; $22.50 for standard balcony; and $50 for limited (8) balcony box seats (Note: Box ticket includes concessions)
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com
KLOVE Christmas tour coming to Holly Hall
The 2021 KLOVE Christmas tour will be bringing holiday cheer to The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 in the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.
Awakening Events and the Awakening Foundation once again partnered with K-LOVE Radio for their annual Christmas Tour.
After taking a year off during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour returns to the road this December with a star-studded lineup including Casting Crowns, Mac Powell, Cain, Dante Bowe and Jordan St. Cyr. Altrua Health-Share and Food for The Hungry will also be part of the tour as they work to have a positive impact both globally and locally.
Tickets for this show are range from $19.75 to $89.75 (plus taxes & fees) depending on seating and are available for purchase online at www.buddyhollyhall.com
Morris brings holiday hits to Hub City
An Evening with Gary Morris: Hitsmas and Christmas is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave.
Morris is known world-wide for his vocal mastery, able to hold audiences mesmerized and overwhelmed by the pure beauty and inspiration of his voice. His recording career garnered five #1 and 16 Top 10 singles, including “Why Lady Why,” “The Love She Found in Me” and “Baby Bye Bye.”
Morris’ original rendition of the classic “Wind Beneath My Wings” won both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music “Song of the Year” awards. Morris was also named Billboard’s “Male Artist of the Year” early in his career. At the height of his Nashville recording career, the Texas-bred tenor was tapped to play the lead role of Jean Valjean in Broadway’s epic hit “Les Misérables,” to critical acclaim.
Tickets for this show are $40 for the first three rows (A-C); $35 for floor rows (D-H); $30 for floor rows (J-M); $25 for standard balcony; and $60 for balcony box seats.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com
Ragtown Gospel presents 'Joseph the Carpenter'
"Joseph the Carpenter" opened this weekend and will continue through Dec. 18 at Ragtown Gospel Theater in Post.
Performances are at 3 p.m. every Saturday, except Thanksgiving weekend. There will be one Sunday matinee performance at 3 p.m. on Dec. 12.
Chip Polk and guest artists will open each show with a special Christmas concert.
"Joseph the Carpenter" is a dramatic love story of supernatural proportions. Joseph faces what his family believes is the unforgivable infidelity of his betrothed. His protective elder brother, Cleopus, accuses Mary of unfaithfulness, and is convinced that she is a liar who is playing Joseph for a fool with her story of an angel, and the child she carries being placed in her womb by God.
Joseph the Carpenter is an original musical written and composed by Chip Polk, and directed by Glenn Polk. It is Ragtown’s 48th production, and the final show of the theater’s 15th season.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for students. Groups of 12 or more receive a 25% discount off adult tickets. As always, veterans and active service military personnel are invited to attend as honored guests.
Ragtown Gospel Theater is located 2 miles Northwest of Post on Highway 84. The theater is handicap accessible. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 877-724-8696, or visit ragtown.com.
Comedian to perform at Fair Theater
Comedian William Lee Martin will bring his annual Christmas standup comedy spectacular and variety show “The Return of the Nutcracker – Putting the Fun in Dysfunctional Family Christmas” to the Fair Theater, 717 Broadway, Plainview, on Friday, Dec. 17.
The event will include fan favorites like “I’m Dreaming of a White Trash Christmas”, brand new standup material as well as guest comedian John Wessling.
Showtime is 8 p.m. and doors will open at 7 p.m.
VIP Tickets are $49.50 and include seats on the first three rows, a meet-n-greet reception at 6:00 p.m., VIP lanyard and signed commemorative poster. All other seats are $29.50. Tickets are available online at www.williamleemartin.com/tour.
For information, call Tori at (806) 293-4000, email fair@plainviewtx.org or visit www.plainviewtx.org or Facebook – Fair Theater.
LSO presents 'Merry and Bright'
Celebrate the holiday season with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra as it presents "Merry and Bright" at 7:3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, in the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.
It’s a night of Christmas cheer as guest conductor David Itkin leads the orchestra for your favorite holiday classics.
Featured vocalists will be Kristen Satterwhite and Bruce Ewing.
Tickets for this concert range from $33 to $93 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating, and are available online at www.buddyhollyhall.com
Caldwell Kids to present Christmas show
It's a Caldwell Kids Christmas is scheduled for two shows, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave.
Bring the entire family for a night that will make memories of a lifetime. This show will run for two nights – but get tickets early – this is traditionally one of our most popular shows.
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 directed by Terri and Cami Caldwell.
Tickets for this special holiday shows are $25 for reserved seats; $12.50 for children ages 12 and younger; and $50 for reserved box seats (includes concessions).
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com
Edge Theatre presents Fall Showcase
The Edge: A Company of Fine Artists presents its Fall 2021 “Showcase of Artists” at 7:15 p.m. nightly Dec. 19-20 at the Boston Avenue Playhouse, 4228 Boston Ave.
Students in acting and directing classes will present a collection of scenes and monologues from their work this semester. Three student directors will each present two Shakespeare scenes featuring actors from acting classes. Acting students will also present a selection of monologues and songs from classic and contemporary shows.
Students presenting work are Sean Allen Jones, Shan Wong, Huey Lee, George Anthony, Jennifer Renae Allen, Janine Young, Mary Ann Lawson, C. David Morrow, Stephanie Johnson, and Nick Muniz.
There will be one 10-minute intermission. General seating tickets are $7 and are available at https://edge_theatre_lubbock.eventbrite.com. Additional donations may be made at the door.
Cactus Family Christmas set for one show only
The Cactus Family Christmas will present one show only at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave.
From your favorite Christmas hymns to your favorite contemporary Christmas musical arrangements you're promised a wonderful, memorable night of celebration.
Join current and longtime favorites Terri Caldwell, Kurt Kiser, Jason Fellers, Brandon Gwinn, Sheena Fadeyi, Blackwater Draw, Addie Bleu, and the Caldwell Collective Band and make once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Tickets to this special holiday show are $25 for reserved seats; $12.50 for children ages 12 and younger; and $50 for reserved box seats (includes concessions).
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com
Movies 16 to screen encore of 'The Nutcracker'
An encore presentation of Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker is scheduled to be screened at 12:55 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, and 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Movies 16 Lubbock, 5721 58th St.
On Christmas eve, Marie and her the whole family are gathered around the tree in celebration of the holiday. She receives a magical gift from her godfather Drosselmeyer and soon enough this Christmas Eve will take an unexpected turn for her.
Marie's new doll comes alive and carries her into a whirlwind adventure. The exceptional score by Tchaikovsky, brought to life by the legendary Bolshoi Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker, will captivate the hearts of the whole family.
Experience this holiday classic through the eyes of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on the big screen as they travel on a magical journey of their dreams.
Tickets for this special screening are $18.40 and available for purchase online in advance at www.fathomevents.com.
Needlework exhibit on display at TTU museum
"Sumptuous Stitches and Tiny Treasures," an exhibition of needlework and needlework tools, is on exhibit now through Dec. 22 at the Museum of Texas Tech University, 3301 Fourth St.
Drawn from the Museum's collection of Clothing and Textiles, the largest at a university museum in the country, the pieces show the exquisite workmanship of needlework created from the time of James I of England to the present. Among the needleworks are schoolgirl pieces for which two of the schools have recently been discovered.
Hundreds of beautiful needlework tools will be exhibited including a large assemblage of seldom seen 18th century knotting shuttles and an array of stunning gold, silver, and brass pieces. These tiny treasures were often given as tokens of love or as awards for exceptional needlework.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 1-5 p.m. on Sunday; and closed on Mondays.
Blackwood Singers to perform gospel concert
Branson's Blackwood Singers are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, at the Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave.
Branson’s Blackwood Singers are known throughout gospel music circles for their pure family harmony, excellent musicianship, and first-class entertainment. With an 80-year track record of hits, The Blackwoods bring hand-clapping, high energy entertainment to the stage.
The show is a stroll down memory lane with history with remembrances of the original Blackwood Brothers and the Blackwood Singers and the songs that made them a household name. Celebrate the season with this gospel music legacy at the historic Cactus Theater.
Tickets for this show are $27.50 for reserved seats in first four rows (Row A-D); $25 for remainder of floor and standard balcony seats; and $50 for limited box seats in balcony (includes concessions; present at counter when ordering)
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cactustheater.com
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas coming to Hub City
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, in the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.
Mannheim Steamroller is an American neoclassical new-age music group founded by percussionist/composer Davis that is known primarily for its "Fresh Aire" series of albums, which blend classical music with elements of new age and rock, and for its modern recordings of Christmas music. The group has sold 28 million albums in the U.S. alone.
Reserved seat tickets for this concert range from $55 to $80 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating and are available for purchase online at www.buddyhollyhall.com
Cirque Musica combines acrobatics, holiday music
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, in the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall.
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is an all-new production featuring some of the greatest holiday songs of all time performed with the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica.
Audiences will be amazed by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer.
The show blends grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the holiday classics we all love.
Reserved tickets for this show range from $36 to $96 (plus taxes and fees) depending on seating and are available for purchase at www.buddyhollyhall.com
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock entertainment in brief
