Theater-goers have lots of options to ring in the season as holiday-themed productions open throughout the Cleveland area. Pictured: Great Lakes Theater Festival's adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” (Photo by Roger Mastroianni)
When it comes to giving and receiving gifts, I’ve always been partial to experiences rather than things. This not just comes from the pack rat tendency I’ve been working hard to shake, but also because I’ve found that the memories of an art class, day trip or nice night out on the town last longer than a toy or temperamental gadget.
With the holidays right around the corner, the city is ripe with opportunities for a fun day or night out. From holiday parties to concerts to a variety of outdoor festivals, there are plenty of experiences to gift to loved ones. However, since it’s my blog and a night out at the theater pretty much tops my list of favorite things to do, I figured I’d compile a list for anyone shopping for the Cleveland theater-phile in their life.
Top 3 on my ‘wish list’ include a mall elf, a Frank Capra re-imagining, and a family classic:
CPT partners with the PlayhouseSquare to produce David Sedaris' Santaland Diaries.
The Santaland Diaries (Cleveland Public Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, Nov. 26-Dec. 19): The Cleveland Public Theatre partners with PlayhouseSquare to present The Santaland Diaries at the 14th Street Theatre. The Santaland Diaries is the story of a 33-year-old slacker who takes a job as Crumpet, a Macy’s Christmas elf, dealing with thousands of children and their parents as they pay a visit to Santa. Best-selling author David Sedaris shares his own hilarious experiences in one of my favorite holiday shows.
Current members of the PlayhouseSquare Partners program can enjoy a night out at The Santaland Diaries on Dec. 9th. The young professionals event includes a preshow happy hour at 6:30pm with beer, wine and light appetizers, and the show at 7:30pm. This event is for Partners and their guests; tickets are $30 and can be purchased through Molly, the Partners coordinator, at 216-348-5265.
James Leaming stars in This Wonderful Life, a one-man adaptation of the Frank Capra classic It's a Wonderful Life, at The Cleveland Play House. Photo credit: Michael Davis
This Wonderful Life (Cleveland Play House, Nov. 26-Dec. 19): After the Cleveland Play House announced last year that its five-year run of A Christmas Story was coming to an end, some weren’t sure what could replace the Cleveland staple. For 2010, the Play House re-introduces the city to another holiday classic with a one-man re-imagining of the beloved Frank Capra film It’s a Wonderful Life. In This Wonderful Life, the virtuosic James Leaming shares the hope and humor of the classic film while portraying George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Mary, Old Man Potter, and 20 more of Bedford Falls’ finest citizens. There’s even a Cleveland connection – through the show’s co-creator, native son Mark Setlock.
While at the Cleveland Play House, check out The Festival of Trees from now until December 30. Free and open to the public, the festival features more than 70 locally sponsored and professionally decorated holiday trees displayed throughout The Cleveland Play House.
Actor Aled Davies returns as Ebenezer Scrooge in GLTF's “A Christmas Carol” (Photography by Roger Mastroianni)
A Christmas Carol (Great Lakes Theater Festival, Dec. 3-23): The stage of the Ohio Theatre at PlayhouseSquare will glow with good spirits and time-honored tradition when Great Lakes Theater Festival presents its annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. For 22 years, the GLTF production has delighted over 550,000 people, making it one of northeast Ohio’s best-attended holiday events.
The GLTF holiday adaptation by former Artistic Director Gerald Freedman is presented as a story within a story. The fictitious Cleaveland family gathers in its Victorian-era parlor on Christmas Eve to read Mr. Dickens’ book. As Mrs. Cleaveland reads the story to her family, her youngest child, Master William, re-imagines familiar faces as characters in the story: the Cleaveland’s crotchety manservant becomes Scrooge; Father becomes Bob Cratchit; Mother becomes Belle, and the Cleaveland children become the Cratchits, with Master William becoming the beloved Tiny Tim. In all, more than 60 Dickens characters are brought to life on stage. The production features a multi-generational cast of actors, singers and dancers led by longtime Festival company member Aled Davies, returning for his third season in the role of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.
If you’re looking for more options, there are plenty of shows playing throughout November and December. (Plus, if you’re thinking of buying anything from PlayhouseSquare, they’re offering a Cyber Monday sale with special offers throughout the day. ) From Cleveland playwright premieres to musical extravaganzas, the theatre is a great way to celebrate the holidays this season:
i always try to give my fam restaurant gift certificates and money to the theater. force them to take an evening out!
Ah an evening at the theatre
I would love that as a present!
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