Along with a generous dumping of snow, the holidays have blown into Southwest Montana for another season. Locals and those visiting have ample opportunity to get in the spirit with celebratory gatherings among family and friends – as well as a number of festive stage events in and around the BoZone. Here’s a preview of some upcoming productions all can enjoy!
Montana Ballet Company presents its 35th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker, on Friday, November 30th at 7pm and Saturday, December 1st at 2pm and 7pm. All will be held at the Willson Auditorium. Following the Bozeman performances, MBC heads to Big Sky’s Warren Miller Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 2nd with an additional matinee at 4pm. MBC’s Nutcracker welcomes back guest artists Rachel Van Buskirk and Christian Clark, principal dancers with Terminus Modern Ballet Theater. They will share the stage with MBC’s own company dancers and nearly 100 dancers from the community. Also featured in the cast is Soren Kisiel, co-director of Broad Comedy, who will once again dance the role of Drosselmeyer.
Perfect for the entire family, holiday favorite Irving Berlin’s White Christmas returns to The Ellen Theatre stage! Performances will take place November 30th, December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th and 21st at 7:30pm; Dec. 2nd, 9th, and 16th at 3pm; and Dec. 22nd at 2pm. First on Broadway in 2008, this excellent adaptation of the hit movie musical features a talented cast of singers and dancers. Showbiz entertainers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, budding performers Betty and Judy Haynes, and a slew of chorus kids are detoured to General Waverly’s Vermont Inn. But there’s no snow! Not to worry, you know there’s going to be a happy ending with this toe-tapping, terrific musical. You’ll enjoy songs such as “Snow,” “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “Count Your Blessings” and the title tune, “White Christmas” – all played beautifully by a LIVE 20-piece orchestra.
Ryan Cassavaugh’s latest and greatest Christmas play, Eddie’s First Christmas on Patrol, comes to the Verge Theater stage Thursdays through Saturdays, December 6th–15th with performances at 8pm each night. The long-awaited sequel to Jimmy’s First Christmas on Parole features the same actors as new characters in a fresh setting, a bar complete with Santa – in cuffs! You can rest assured you’ll be seeing the most original Christmas play out there. As Ryan says, “Jimmy’s was just the beginning…” This show is recommended for ages 17+ due to adult themes and language.
Livingston’s Shane Lalani Center for the Arts will present yet another Holiday Vaudeville Extravaganza!, running for two weekends only, December 7th–16th, in the Dulcie Theatre. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. One of the Shane’s most popular events, this two-hour variety show is a high-energy romp through the cherished chestnuts of the season. Show creators have assembled another intrepid squad of community performers ranging from the sublime to the spastic who will amaze, amuse, and mystify with songs, skits, and vigorous acts of vaudevillian virtuosity – all served up with a heaping helping of heart. It’s fun for the whole family, and virtually guaranteed to get you in the spirit!
A festive holiday celebration awaits! The next in Bozeman Symphony’s 2019-19 performance season is Gloria featuring special guest soprano Clarissa Lyons. Under the direction of Maestro Matthew Savery, over 150 musicians will be featured during the performances set for Saturday, December 8th at 7:30pm and Sunday, Dec. 9th at 2:30pm. Both will be held in the Willson Auditorium. The centerpiece of the concert will put audiences in the spirit of the season as Francis Poulenc’s playful – and gorgeous – Gloria comes to Bozeman! You’ll also hear Johann Strauss Jr.’s mischievous Fledermaus Overture, the sublime prelude to Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel, and Mozart’s exuberant Exsultate jubilate. Local singer, songwriter, pianist and actor, Lori Rosolowsky, will join as special guest conductor beginning the performance with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Polonaise from “Christmas Eve.”
Finally, Yellowstone Ballet Company is offering a FREE child ticket for every adult ticket purchase to their 28th annual production of The Nutcracker. Performances take place at 4:30pm on Saturday, December 15th and 2pm on Sunday, Dec. 16th at the Willson Auditorium in Bozeman. Performing the starring role of the Nutcracker Prince is Yellowstone Ballet School alumnus, and local favorite, Parsifal Pittendorfer. Nationally renowned dancer Annie Valle will dance the role of the Rat Queen. Also featured will be local dance company Raison D’être Dance Project, as well as thirteen-year-old aspiring ballerina Emah Eckert dancing the role of Clara. YBC’s family friendly production of The Nutcracker will delight audiences of all ages as they enjoy the magical and colorful characters and enchanting story.
Ticketing and further information about these and other events can be found throughout this issue of The BoZone. Happy holidays! •