Holiday spirit straight from the stage

Winter break is almost here. Another week and the students will get academics out of the way for holidays. Family dinners, presents, and lights everywhere are great, but to make this season even more special, Denver’s culture scene has whipped up a slew of happenings and performances you won’t want to miss.

The most talked about production is Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Buell Theatre, which is running now through Dec. 24. This adaptation of the Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye musical will present viewers with 17 Broadway-sized spectacles. Christmas-spirited songs and acts will impress you and jumpstart your celebrations.

A very interesting performance of this holiday season is Lysistrata, an adaptation prepared by the CU Denver College of Arts and Media. Written by Aristophanes, it is a play of women attempting to end the Peloponnesian War and refusing their husbands’ sexual pleasures. This comedy is about the wars of sexes. Carol Bloom, the director of the production and an instructor at UCD, looked at six different translations and even more adaptations to make UCD’s Lysistrata stand out.

The result is classical, humorous ancient Greek theater with real character infused by each student’s acting. Although the play is somewhat risqué and sexual, Bloom said, “It’s written in the text, so there is no way around it. However, I was careful to keep it tasteful and classical.” So, go check out what UCD CAM has been up to lately; experience the classical ancient theater and have a laugh, too. It plays in the King Center at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5–8.

Aurora Fox Arts Center will feature A Christmas Carol, on stage through Dec. 16. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is a true Christmas classic that will light up your spirits with laughs and sentiments.

The Nutcracker, a holiday classic, will be performed by a number of Colorado ballet groups. You have an opportunity to compare the productions in Denver and Boulder. Also, don’t miss your chance to see the famous Moscow ballet; this celebrated group that performson the best stages all over the world will stop in town for just one day, on Dec. 9, at the Paramount Theater to present its production of The Nutcracker.

Listening to the children’s angel-like voices is one of the best ways to welcome Christmas. On Dec. 15 and 16, bring your little ones or younger cousins to the show of the Colorado Children’s Chorale. They will also perform with Colorado Symphony and Chorus at the Colorado Christmas at Boettcher Concert Hall on Dec. 7–9. A number of children’s choirs from elementary, middle, and high schools will perform for free on Dec. 15 on 16th Street Mall by the Denver Pavilions.

For a unique twist, experience the celebrations of Appalachian culture, which will celebrate winter solstice. The performances range from dance to drama to chorus, with promises of authentic clogging and folk songs. Denver has holiday events for all tastes and ages. Ensure that your celebrations will be extraordinary.