See the Nutcracker Performed by the Nutmeg Ballet
Torrington— The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, an internationally recognized professional ballet training institution in downtown Torrington, proudly presents two weekends of the Nutcracker on the Warner Theatre Main Stage. Performances are on Saturday, December 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m.; Saturday, December 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m.
Roles will be performed by The Nutmeg’s own students. The principal roles will feature Nutmeg’s most advanced students. Guest artist, Thomas Evertz, accomplished German stage actor, will reprise his beloved portrayal of Dr. Drosselmeyer.
The Nutmeg’s Nutcracker, under the direction of Victoria Mazzarelli, delivers an iconic story set to the masterful music of Peter Tchaikovsky. Featuring original choreography by Victoria Mazzarelli, Tim Melady, Brian Reeder, Denise Limoli, and Joan Kunsch, this production is visually stunning and sure to delight. The story is brought to life with sets designed by Roger LaVoie, costumes by Jenessa Urwin and Susan Aziz, and lighting by Brian Sciarra.
To purchase tickets, visit warnertheatre.org or call the Box Office at 860-489-7180
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Three Upcoming Jazz Events to Celebrate the Holidays
Pittsfield— Berkshires Jazz, Inc. today announces three jazz events for the holiday season: Eddie Allen’s “Holiday Brass” concert, Andy Wrba’s annual Christmas bash, and Ted Rosenthal’s “Wonderland Holiday Show.”
Trumpeter, composer, arranger, and author Eddie Allen adds holiday magic to his wide-ranging repertoire for a concert at Shakespeare & Company (70 Kemble Street, Lenox), December 10 at 7 p.m. They will be playing Allen’s original arrangements of favorites from his well-received recording, “Jazzy Brass for the Holidays.” His septet features two trumpets, trombone and French horn, plus rhythm section. Tickets are $25-35, and are available here.
“A Very Wrba Christmas,” featuring bassist Wrba, will be at The Lift, the restaurant at Pittsfield’s Bousquet Ski Area. Monday, December 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. The participants include many regional musicians, and includes the 17-piece Amherst Jazz Orchestra. Reservations are recommended, call 413-232-9398.
Ted Rosenthal’s Wonderland Holiday Show is at the historic Gateways Inn (51 Walker St., Lenox) on Sunday, December 18; there will be two sets, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In addition to Ted on piano, his trio includes Noriko Ueda on bass and George Schuller, drums. Although the show is free, reservations are required, as a full house is anticipated; contact via 413-637-2532 or frontdesk@gatewaysinn.com
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KLAUS Screening at Crandell Theatre
Chatham— Crandell Theatre presents a showing of KLAUS on Saturday, December 10 at 1 p.m. Prior to the movie, Santa will pay a special visit to the Crandell, beginning at 12 p.m.
This event is free as a part of the Chatham Winterpalooza Screening.
Klaus is a delightful Santa origin story from Despicable Me creator Sergio Pablos. Featuring a unique hand-drawn animation style that blends 2D and 3D techniques, this holiday film about simple acts of kindness is even better when watched on the big screen. Rashida Jones, Jason Schwartzman and J.K. Simmons provide the charming, hilarious voices. This film is 96 minutes and is rated PG.
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Stockbridge Festival Chorus Honors 35th Anniversary at Its Christmas Concert
Stockbridge— Stockbridge Festival Chorus will present its annual Christmas concert on Saturday, December 10 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge on Main Street. The hour-long concert will include works by Philip Stopford, Herbert Howells, William Mathias and Sir David Willcocks. Tracy Wilson will conduct, with pianist Bob Logan and organist Ed Lawrence accompanying.
Admission at the door is a recommended donation of $20 for adults, $10 for members of local community choirs, and free for youth age 18 and under. The church is fully handicap accessible. Mask wearing for audience members is recommended; however the choir will not be wearing masks and all singers will have updated boosters and test negative for COVID before the dress rehearsal and concert.
This concert will honor the 35th anniversary of the creation of the Festival Chorus, founded by then-church music director Penna Rose to expand the regular church choir for larger choral works on special occasions. The Festival Chorus’ first major work took place in April 1987 and was conducted by Penna Rose. In 1992, Tracy Wilson became the music director at the church and continued the tradition of two major choral concerts each year by the Festival Chorus. That tradition continues today, with the chorus ranging in numbers from 35 to 70 singers, using guest soloists, organists or small chamber ensembles, presenting a concert in the spring and the annual Christmas concert.
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Winter Wonderland Brightens the Holidays
Sheffield— The Sheffield Historical Society’s third annual holiday tree display will run from December 10 through January 1 at the historical society grounds (159 Main St., next to the town parking lot). They welcome all to visit any evening between December 10 and January 1. Visitors can stroll around and see trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations and families.
Opening Night is on Saturday, December 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be Santa & Mrs. Claus, live music by Willy Welch, kids’ crafts, fire pits to warm by, a holiday shop and free refreshments. The Wonderland is free, but the society will be collecting gifts for Toys-for-Tots and the Sheffield Food Assistance Program. The Sheffield Historical Society’s Festival of Holidays at the Old Stone Store will be open till 7pm on December 10 to coincide with the Winter Wonderland.
The Winter Wonderland ends with First Night Sheffield, a free family-friendly event on New Year’s Eve from 4 to 6 p.m. with refreshments and a movie viewing.
