There may not be any snow flurries headed this way (yet … ), but holiday favorites and live entertainment packed with fun will be hitting the stages of the greater metropolitan area.
From classic tales of yuletide magic to magical tales that include a cool yule, there’s much to be seen on the scene. The question is, which one to go to first?
No misfits here
Burl Ives and company brought the story of a nasally enhanced reindeer to television life in 1964, but the story goes back to the 1930s and even included a song by “The Singing Cowboy” Gene Autry that made it to No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
But Robert L. May’s timeless tale continues to delight and comes to life when “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” soars onto the stage at Jefferson Performing Arts Center opening Dec. 5.
The songs and characters from the Rankin/Bass stop-motion TV show are all there, from Rudolph and Hermey (the elf who wants to be a dentist) to Santa, Yukon Cornelius, Clarice, Bumble (the abominable snowman) and all the elves and misfit toys.
“Holly Jolly Christmas,” “There’s Always Tomorrow” and “Silver and Gold” are also there, plus more of the original tunes and a couple of new ones for the stage show.
Ostracized and belittled, Rudolph overcomes adversity to save the day with his olfactory opulence and a keen sense of direction.
With direction by Kris Shaw, Parker Portera-Dufrene takes the title role, with Jimmy Murphy as Sam the Snowman. Avery Gerose is Hermey, Alee Peck is Yukon and Gabe Bello is Bumble. Louis Dudoussat and Brittany Milligan are the Claus duo and Jane Albright is Clarice. Also appearing in the show are Jevi Joseph, Kendall Berry, Donnie Lawson, Paul Bello, Hayley Duhe, Benjamin Benigno, Rebecca Wren, Justice McKnight, Kelly Amstutz, Kristy Webb, Addy Bradford, Evie Bradshaw, Madison Kelly, Emma Gonzales, Jaycee Holmes, Kayln Hepting Stephens and Abbey Murrell.
The show is at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 14 at 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie. Tickets start at $28.
‘You’ll taste the difference’
New Orleans has its own way of doing things, and nothing highlights that local flavor like a Ricky Graham show, especially one for the holidays.
The local entertainment icon has turned his focus to melding Crescent City character with a holiday hallmark in “It’s A Wonderful Life Y’all” opening Dec. 5 at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner.
The 1946 Jimmy Stewart-starring film, about a man who gets to see what life in his hometown would be like without him, has become standard fare for holiday watching. In this version, the story gets “Rickyed” with New Orleans touches that will appeal to all ages.
Gary Rucker, left, plays George Bailey and David W. Hoover is the angel-in-training Clarence in Ricky Graham’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life Y’all’ at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in Kenner.
“New Orleans people love to see themselves portrayed on stage,” said Graham, who also directs. “I’ve found this out over many, many years. In particular, this show has the added nostalgic touch of Christmas ‘back when.’ Reminding everyone of the love and family ties that make this time of year so special in a New Orleans framework is the best of all worlds.”
Graham certainly doesn’t forget what adds flavor, either.
“And McKenzies is heavily featured in the show,” he said.
Taking part in the tale are Christina Cross, Lauren Wells, Vatican Lokey, David Hoover, Ryan Nocito and Gary Rucker.
Two additional holiday shows are also on tap at Rivertown and will be featured in coming Lagniappe columns.
The show is at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Dec. 18, and 2 p.m. on Sundays through Dec. 21 at 325 Minor St. Tickets start at $43. Visit rivertowntheaters.com.
‘A New Deal for Christmas?’
Christmas gets things rolling in this classic Broadway show as “Annie” gets tapped to spend the holiday with Daddy Warbucks, setting in motion one of the classic theatrical juggernauts that continues to be a popular show for both professionals and community companies.
Slidell Little Theatre puts the lovable orphans, megarich Warbucks and even the president to work in this show opening Dec. 5.
From “Tomorrow” to “Easy Street” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Annie” is the stage version of the classic comic strip about a young optimistic orphan who gets adopted by the hardened industrialist who finds a spot in his heart for the curly-topped tyke.
Katie Harrison directs the show, which runs 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, plus 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21. Tickets start at $25 for the show at 2024 Nellie Drive in Slidell. Visit slidelllittletheatre.org.
‘A stake of holly through his heart’
The NOLA Project takes a stab at Dickens “just in time to ruin Christmas,” according to the press materials.
In keeping with its established place in the theatrical outer banks of the local scene, the company continues its free play-reading series with a staged reading of “A Rated-R Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Broadside, 600 N. Broad St.
The Rough Drafts series focuses on bringing new materials and thespians to audiences.
The spin on the classic tale of holiday salvation by A.J. Allegra, the former artistic director for the company, is a comedic spin on the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
“The holidays can be heavy, so sometimes people need permission to laugh,” said Artistic Director Tenaj Wallace. “This script is both irreverent and ridiculous, but it still lands on the truth of what Dickens wrote — community, generosity and showing up for each other.”
Taking part in the readings will be Khiry Armstead, Natalie Boyd, Keith Claverie, Leslie Claverie, Wayland Cooper, Torey Hayward, Alex Pomes, Matthew Thompson, Anna Toujas, Alex Martinez Wallace, Megan Whittle and Kristin Witt.
On stage this week, Nov. 27-Dec. 3
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 6 p.m. Dec. 11; The Josephine, 2400 Napoleon Ave. Crescent City Stage’s one-night-only reading of the popular adaptation by Patrick Barlow with Michael A. Newcomer as Scrooge and four actors taking on the rest of the characters. Tickets will help fund Crescent City’s season and studio programming, start at $54. crescentcitystage.com.
“‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”: Opening 7:30 p.m. Saturday, running Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 14; Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Road, Covington. Holiday show about a mouse, elf and little girl who won’t take no for an answer. Tickets start at $23. playmakersinc.com.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
