There's always a lot of theater shows to choose from during the holiday season, and Nashville Shakespeare Festival (NSF) has a new offering this year, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!).
The comedy written by Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez promises to be a non-stop ride through all of America's best-loved holiday classics. The Sacramento Bee says it's "a respectful homage and side-splitting parody at the same time."
In the show, three actors play dozens of characters, including Scrooge, the Grinch, Rudolph, Frosty, George Bailey, Yukon Cornelius and many more. Nashville Shakes says to consider it more than an average night at the theater. Instead, look at it as a big holiday party for all ages, complete with free cookies and cocoa, door prizes, a gift exchange, an ugly Christmas sweater contest and an opportunity to help local non-profits like Nashville's Room in the Inn (there's the touch of the real Christmas spirit!).
"It's worth coming to see just for the magical material, clever writing and how all of these stories are crammed into a 90-minute holiday celebration," says Director Jim Warren. "BUT, for fans of Nashville Shakespeare Festival, the added bonus is getting to see 20+ roles played by NSF staff Denice HIcks (executive artistic director), Bradley Brown (managing director) and Carrie Brewer (marketing director). I hand-picked these three to tackle this play in this town because they are all amazing actors who have performed big Shakespeare roles, and they have a chemistry and camaraderie from working together as a team," he adds.
The show takes place Dec. 13 – 15 at Belmont's Troutt Theater (2112 Belmont Blvd., Nashville). Showtimes are Fri – Sat 1 7:30 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. They're $30 in advance/$33 at the door for adults, $18 in advance/$21 at the door for students, free ages 9 and younger.
Note to parents: The production does contain content about the discussion of the existence of Santa, but it's never decided one way or another. Nashville Shakes assures that the show is appropriate for all ages.
For more info and tickets, visit nashvilleshakes.org.
photo credit: Rick Malkin.
