So it's almost Christmas time again, and we all know what to expect. Aside from long lines at every place that sells anything, Christmas means one thing: constant holiday cheer on every TV station. All our favorite shows are on hiatus and all we're left with is a chubby boy whining about wanting a rifle. Whether the thought of all the class TV specials equals pure glee, or the thought of seeing that old man mispronounce “fragile” one more time is borderline disgusting, Charlottesville has something for everyone.
While some people may find watching the same things over and over again comforting, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of the house/apartment/dorm and see what the world has to offer. Luckily, living in Charlottesville means a thriving arts community awaits just outside the front door. Go ahead and don that dusty parka and see what's going on outside the infamous Christmas bubble. Don't worry, all of these theatres serve alcohol before the show and during intermission.
For those who still cry at the end of that black and white movie about the suicidal banker:
- Four County Players in Barboursville is producing “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Yes, there was a movie made of this that is most often found on cable at three in the morning; but it's actually an excellent stage show. It's the story of a woman who is directing a Christmas pageant and has to handle a group of mischievous children. This sounds fairly standard, but is perfect for those who love Christmas shows but want to get out and see something different this year. Four County has pretty much mastered the art of the family shows, and director Geri Sauls proved she can handle comedy when she directed "Doubles" earlier this year in Four County Players basement theatre. The play opens on December 3rd and runs through the 19th.
For those who will watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" purely for nostalgic purposes:
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- Play On! Theatre in the Frank Ix Building is taking on the daunting task of mounting “Cinderella.” No, it's not a Christmas show, but it provides the comfort that one craves during the most wonderful time of the year. This is the perfect show for those who yearn for something familiar and family-friendly, but need to see something other than uplifting tales of people finding redemption in snowy environments surrounded by twinkling lights. Director Shelly Cole brings her vision of the classic fairy tale to the stage starting December 2nd through the 19th.
For those who think Scrooge was onto something and wish those stupid ghosts would have minded their own business:
- Live Arts is bucking the trend and is pretending that Christmas doesn't exist by mounting a production of a little-know musical called "The Drowsy Chaperone." This will most likely not become a Christmas tradition, but presents a great opportunity to completely escape that tree sitting in the living room covered with lights. The show is about a depressed man who listens to soundtracks of Broadway musicals that come to life in his apartment when he puts them on. Even though the show is something relatively unheard of, take comfort in the fact that it features Live Arts regular Doug Schneider. “The Drowsy Chaperone” opens December 10th and runs through January 16th.
So, this season, let's not lock ourselves away for the yuletide season. Christmas doesn't just have to be a time to sit at home and watch the same old specials. Get out and experience the live theatre that Charlottesville has to offer. After all, it's a season a live with the arts.
