On Stage: Holiday shows headline the weekend
Holiday shows are popping up everywhere this weekend with two versions of “A Christmas Carol” opening, holiday tributes and music, and a holiday-themed ballet. Also this week, a Rogers and Hammerstein musical.
The Bay Street Players open a demand performance of “A Christmas Carol, A New Musical” for six performances beginning Friday so see it while you can.
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Also opening Friday, “A Christmas Carol” at the Melon Patch with a small cast of quick-change actors taking on all the roles in the performance.
And, the Rogers and Hammerstein musical show tune celebration, “Some Enchanted Evening”, continues at the IceHouse.
There are three holiday-themed musical shows over the weekend at the Living Drama Theatre to brighten up the season.
A special holiday treat, “The Nutcracker" ballet, returns to Mount Dora this weekend for two performances.
“A Christmas Carol, A New Musical”
Back by popular demand for only six performances, the Bay Street Players present the beloved Charles Dickens tale of greed and redemption at The State Theatre in the third annual production of “A Christmas Carol, A New Musical” opening Friday and playing until Dec. 12.
Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey of personal growth with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Bring your whole family to experience the magical effects, costumes, and scenery that will transport you to 1800s England.
This adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” was written by The State Theatre’s resident Artistic Director Carlos Francisco Asse, with music by James Wren and Eddie Gwaltney.
Details: eustisstatetheatre.org
“A Christmas Carol”
Opening Friday at the Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg, this adaptation of “A Christmas Carol written by Patrick Barlow uses only five actors to bring some of Dickens’ most beloved characters to life. The play continues until Dec. 19. From Scrooge and Tiny Tim to Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig, Barlow's “A Christmas Carol” uses nothing more than simple props, fresh physicality and the power of imagination to convey this timeless story of redemption.
The cast includes Lon Abrams as Scrooge, and taking on multiple roles, Shelly Whittle, Jan Sheldon, Julie Sanchez, Janik Buranosky and Jessica Guiffre. The show is directed by Dustin Lavine.
Details: melonpatchplayers.org
“Some Enchanted Evening”
The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse continues with the songs of Rogers and Hammerstein in “Some Enchanted Evening” on stage through Dec. 12.
The show is a celebration of the musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein performed by five extraordinary vocalists. This glorious parade of hits includes favorite show tunes from “Oklahoma!,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Carousel,” “Cinderella,” “The Sound of Music” and more. Enjoy a holiday treat for the entire family.
Performing the songbook of this esteemed songwriting duo is a young cast bursting with talent: John Sublette, Aine’ Graham, Sheradin Jansen, Peter Murray Heid and Haley Sweat. The production is helmed by IceHouse managing artistic director, Darlin Barry, and her top-notch collaborators: choreographer, Kevin Kriegel, co-music directors/dual pianists, Terry Thomas and Alexander LaPlante, scenic designer, Buddy Fales, lighting designer, Philip Lupo and costume designer, Rob O’Brien.
The theater is returning to 100 percent capacity and face masks are requested for everyone regardless of vaccination status while in the building. Performers are rapid-tested every 24-48 hours in order to perform without masks.
Details and tickets at icehousetheatre.com
Living Drama Christmas specials
The Living Drama Theatre in Eustis presents three Christmas music specials and tributes this weekend.
Ted Torres and his live band will present Elvis Christmas 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The Forever Johnny Cash tribute takes the stage with A Rockin’ Rockabilly Christmas at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The LCO, a chamber pops orchestra and big band, presents a Vaudeville Christmas at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Details: livingdramatheatre.com
“The Nutcracker"
The Mount Dora School of Ballet returns this Christmas for its annual presentation of Lake Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Mount Dora Community Building.
Details and tickets at mountdoralive.com
Coming Attractions
“The Christmas Express”
The Tavares Community Theatre are performing the Florida premiere of the holiday tale, “The Christmas Express” Dec. 10-18 at the Adventure Christian Church, 3701 N. Eichelberger Rd. in Tavares.
The show is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud comedy full of eccentric small-town characters wise-cracking their way to finding the true wonder of Christmas that will send you home humming holiday tunes and filled with hope.
Details: tavarestheater.org
“Miracle of Christmas”
The Living Drama Theatre in Eustis offers “Miracle of Christmas,” a show with six classic holiday stories adapted into a family-friendly Christmas play Dec. 10-19.
Details: livingdramatheatre.com
Home for the Holiday
The Florida Philharmonia with conductor Pasquale Valerio performs a holiday program with the voice of soloist Marcella Richardson at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.
Details: clermontperformingarts.com
“A Christmas Carol”
The Something New Studio drama club students ages 8 to 16 present “A Christmas Carol” adaption by Jim Quinlan at 6:30 Dec. 17 at the Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Dr.
Details: somethingnewstudiofl.com
Christmas Symphony Singers
The Christmas Symphony Singers recreate favorite holiday soundtracks 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Mount Dora Community Building.
Details: mountdoralive.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Holiday shows headline the weekend on stages of Lake County
