By Cyndi Consoli
The Arts
Cyndi Consoli
The holidays can be a great time to celebrate with family and friends, gathering by a warm fire or enjoying a fabulous meal. But what happens when you need a break from all the hustle and bustle the season brings? If you find you need a last-minute gift, a getaway from the chaos, a moment to enjoy the season’s offerings or motivation to get back into the spirit of the holidays, the arts community has you covered. Treat yourself to something unique for that added boost to your mood or stick with the traditional holiday classics to keep you grounded. Make a plan to see and experience everything the season has to offer.
Curtain Call Theatre presents “Young Frankenstein” with music and lyrics by David Yazbek, and book by Robert Horn. Matinee and evening performances run now through Dec. 14 at Curtain Call Theatre, located at 1349 Newfield Ave. in Stamford. From the creators of “The Producers” comes the celebrated West End version of this monster musical comedy. The grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity abounds. The show contains adult themes and situations. Tickets are $23 to $100 at curtaincallinc.com or by calling the box office at 203-461-6358.
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” adapted into a ballet in 1892 by Pyotr Tchaikovsky with a libretto by Marius Petipa, and based on the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The show is on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 501 Crescent St. in New Haven. Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet on an unforgettable journey into a world of dreams, magic and triumph over evil. The Grand Kyiv Ballet includes the most prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine. In this enchanting tale, a young girl befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey to a magical kingdom filled with dancing sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers and other whimsical characters. Through their adventures, she learns that love, imagination and kindness can overcome adversity and create wonder in our lives. Tickets are $59 to $79 at tickets.southernct.edu or by calling 203-392-7278.
Playhouse on Park presents “The Ugly Christmas Sweater Musical” by Dan Knechtges and Megan Larche Dominick, with matinee and evening performances Dec. 4 to 22 at Playhouse On Park, 244 Park Rd. in West Hartford. Blending the comedy style of The Office with the competitive spirit of Project Runway, “The Ugly Christmas Sweater Musical” is a brand-new laugh-out-loud, interactive musical. In this not-so-everyday story, a group of employees must take desperate measures when they learn that their company is being bought out by an international conglomerate. In order to save their jobs, they have to come up with the best ugly Christmas sweater ever made. Wear your favorite ugly festive sweater, sing along if you wish and celebrate the holidays with friends, coworkers and family. Here is a talk back with the cast following matinee performances. Tickets are $25 to $50 at playhouseonpark.org or by calling 860-523-5900.
The John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts presents “Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2024,” Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at 501 Crescent St. in New Haven. In a recording career that spans nearly three decades, saxophonist Dave Koz has racked up an astoundingly impressive array of honors and achievements: nine Grammy nominations, 11 number one albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, 13 sold-out Dave Koz & Friends At Sea cruises, performances for multiple US presidents, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and appearances on a multitude of television shows. A platinum-selling artist, Koz is also known as a humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host and instrumental music advocate. Jonathan Butler is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who leads a life few can imagine. Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. Nelson Mandela credited Butler’s music as having inspired him during his imprisonment. Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Vincent Ingala has grown to become one of the fastest emerging contemporary jazz artists since his 2010 critically acclaimed debut album, North End Soul. He has had nine number one hits and 22 singles in the Billboard Smooth Jazz Top 10. Guitarist and producer Adam Hawley has burst on to the scene as a celebrated and innovative artist, composer and band leader. Handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire), he first debuted on the legend’s label Kalimba Music. In all, Hawley’s four albums and work as a producer has spawned 16 Billboard number one hits. Rebecca Jade is a vocalist, growing up in a musical home and having generations of musicians in her family. Her repertoire includes a vast assortment of artists, genres and styles. Tickets are $75 for general admission and can be purchased by visiting tickets.southernct.edu or call 203 -392-7278.
The Firelight Festival at the Henry Whitfield State Museum will take place on Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Whitfield House, located at 248 Old Whitfield Street in Guilford. Gather outside Connecticut’s oldest house to experience the festive atmosphere created by the glow of luminaria, lanterns and three outdoor fires. Enjoy roasted marshmallows, popcorn, hot cocoa and mulled cider, and listen to readings of “The Night Before Christmas.” This night is also the only chance to tour the Whitfield House after dark. Learn to craft a punched “tin” (paper) lantern to take home, tour the archaeology exhibit History Beneath Our Feet, and do some holiday shopping in the museum gift shop. In the spirit of giving, bring donations for the Guilford Food Bank and new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Tickets may be purchased on-site the night of the event. Tickets include admission to the outdoor fire area, craft area, Whitfield House and Visitor Center galleries. Tickets for adults ages 18 to 64 are $10, seniors 65 and older and veterans are $8, youth ages 6 to 17 are $5. Children 5 and younger and active-duty military personnel accompanied with up to five family members will be admitted free of charge. Reservations are not required, and parking is free. There is no rain date for this event. For more information visit portal.ct.gov or call 203-453-2457.
The Westport Country Playhouse presents “A Sherlock Carol” written and directed by Mark Shanahan from Dec. 17 to 22 at Westport Country Playhouse, located at 25 Powers Court in Westport. Moriarty was dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a mystery. But it’s a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the night is haunted by the spirits of the past, present and future. Can Holmes overcome his own ghosts to crack the case? Celebrate the holidays at the Playhouse with this heartwarming and highly theatrical treat, recommended for ages 7 and older. Tickets are $35 to $65 and can be purchased at westportplayhouse.org or by calling 203-227-4177.
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra presents “Holiday Extravaganza: Joy to the World” featuring Chelsea Tipton, II, principal pops conductor, with three performances Dec. 13 to 15 at three different locations. For the first performance on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., the NHSO will be joined by St. Luke’s Steel Band to bring the music and magic of the holiday season to West Haven for a special concert benefitting the arts in West Haven public schools at West Haven High School, located at 1 McDonough Plaza in West Haven. The second performance will be held on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at John Lyman Center for the Arts, 501 Crescent St. in New Haven. The third performance will be held on Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St. in Shelton. Families and friends will come together to experience the joy of holiday music from around the world. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at newhavensymphony.org or by calling 203-693-1486.
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra presents “Caroling, Caroling” with Perry So, conductor and music director and featuring the Elm City Girls Choir, on Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. at Woolsey Hall, 500 College St. in New Haven. Start off your family’s holiday celebration with an afternoon of beautiful Christmas carols at Woolsey Hall. The first half of the program features the angelic voices of the Elm City Girls Choir singing classical carols by Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. After intermission the concert hall transforms into a holly jolly musical “Sleigh Ride,” including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Feliz Navidad” and more. Sing along with your favorite orchestra and remember why music helps to make the season bright. Tickets to this concert start at $15 for adults. Kids under 18 go free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Purchase tickets at newhavensymphony.org or call 203-693-1486.
Center Stage Theatre presents “Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical,” book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin with matinee and evening performances Dec. 6 to 15 at Center Stage Theatre, 54 Grove St. in Shelton. Nuncrackers is presented as the first television 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 “Twelve 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 wacky Nunsense humor, some of your favorite carols, and a “Secret Santa” sequence featuring audience participation. It’s certain to tickle your funny bone and likely to tug at your heartstrings. Tickets are $18 to $36 and are available online at centerstageshelton.org or by calling 203-225-6079.
Milford’s Downtown Lamplight Stroll will be held on Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Milford Green, at 84 South Broad St. in Milford. There will be over 40 vendors, handcrafted gifts for even the most difficult to buy for on your list, roaming carolers, horse and carriage rides, Santa and more. Join friends, family and neighbors for a beautiful and fun evening stroll around the Milford Green.
Castle Craig Players present “What The Dickens?” by Matt Austin, a hilarious comedy loosely based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, from Dec. 5 to 15 at Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse, located at 59 West Main St. in Meriden. When a group of actors are tasked with performing Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” entirely from memory, things go hilariously awry. It’s Monty Python meets Arthur Miller in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud homage to a holiday classic. Performances are cabaret-style seating. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors, and must be purchased online at castlecraigplayers.org.
Orange’s 8th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting will take place on Dec. 7 with a rain date of Dec. 8. Celebrate the season the first weekend in December with one of the most unique parades in Connecticut. The Lighted Tractor Parade is in its eighth year. Last year had a record 68 tractors. Join in the fun for a magical evening that will warm your heart and ignite your holiday spirit. The tractor parade will begin between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. on Meetinghouse Lane and proceed around the front of the town green onto Orange Center Road. It will continue to the fairgrounds located next to High Plains Community Center at 525 Orange Center Rd. Come early for the Orange Congregational Church annual cookie walk at 3 p.m., grab a hot cocoa and head over to the green for the rest of the festivities.
The Orange Congregational Church will host their Annual Cookie Walk and Music on the green at 205 Meetinghouse Lane in Orange on Dec. 7 at 3 p.m., with a rain date of Dec. 8. It will be in the hallway adjacent to the chapel and the library. Enjoy a full box of cookies you select for only $10. Get some hot cocoa and stay for the town tree lighting and tractor parade. Music on the green will take place on Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. and will feature the Orange Congregational Church Handbell Choir and organ selections directed by Bryan Anderson with featured guests the Amity High School Choirs directed by Marcia Rizzotti, and a carol sing.
The Saybrook Starlight Festival will take place on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Main Street in Old Saybrook with a host of activities, singing, music, shopping and more. Start with the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Stocking Walk. Purchase a stocking for $5 at the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber office at 1 Main St. starting at 10 a.m. and bring it to participating Main Street businesses to help you fill it with small tokens in the spirit of the season. Hear Christmas and Hanukkah selections by the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers as these wandering warblers croon their way up and down Main Street in Victorian-period garb. Enjoy family fun on the town green from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and join in for a sing-along and to sing-in Santa. Activities include story time, crafts, a scavenger hunt, facepainting, a life-size game and hula hooping, decorating holiday cards for service members, a holiday inflatables walk and creating something special with the garden club greenery experts. Enter to win one of two family four-packs to see “Frosty: A Family Holiday Show” at the Kate on Dec. 14 when you visit the Youth & Family Services or Economic Development tables. Visit the Starlight Café featuring seating on the Kate patio, enjoy free hot chocolate and purchase treats. Meet the most famous jolly old elf at the town gazebo on the town green. Volunteers will be available to snap a family photo. There will be dance performances, horse-drawn wagon rides and holiday music performed by Senior Strings local musicians accompanied by ukulele, guitar and flute. Join in for a Heroes Tree Lighting sponsored by the Gold Star Moms in front of the Kate to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. The event will include Nicole Nalepa from Channel 3 and local dignitaries. For a complete listing of all activities and events visit sayoldsaybrook.com.
Cyndi Consoli is an actor/director in her eighth term as President and Producer for Orange Players. She can be reached at TheOrangePlayers@gmail.com and 475-227-7547.