Holiday Shows Planned At RVCC Theatre

WARREN, NJ — A selection of holiday favorites featuring comedy, classical ballet, bluegrass and jazz music, theatrical performances, and even a special tea party will be performed in December at the Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg.

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), Reduced Shakespeare Company, Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m.; $25 and $35

Three crazy guys of the Reduced Shakespeare Company are forced to perform the entire Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant by themselves after none of the acts scheduled have arrived. An irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays, The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) is festive, funny, family fun as these three wise guys send-up and celebrate everyone’s favorite winter holiday traditions.

Christmas With The Annie Moses Band, Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.

The Annie Moses Band’s has a unique combination of chamber strings, vocals and rhythms that will perform spirited renditions of “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen," “Deck the Halls” and "O Holy Night.” These virtuoso musicians combine the best of beloved genres in a style that unifies audiences of all ages, classical connoisseurs and roots enthusiasts, jazz aficionados and bluegrass buffs.

Live from WVL Radio Theatre: It’s a Wonderful Life, Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; 2 p.m. performance, $15 (special matinee pricing); 7 p.m. performance, $20

It's Christmas Eve in 1945 when a small but intrepid band of employees take on the role of multiple characters and create sound effects using everyday household items to tell the story. This 1940s radio-style stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s heartwarming film classic breathes new life into the poignant story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls, a tale that remains as fresh and relevant as ever.

The Great Russian Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet), Friday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $40 and $50

This American holiday tradition features 40 top Russian dancers, new characters and larger-than-life puppets set against a stunning backdrop. An ethereal Dove, a messenger of peace, leads Masha and the Nutcracker to the peaceful kingdom. Beloved Russian fairytale characters, Father Christmas and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden, add to the whimsical and imaginative storytelling that sets thisNutcracker apart. Students of Gotta Dance will also perform along with the professional dancers of the world-renowned company. Caroline Hidalgo and Gillian Peterson coordinate the auditions and rehearsals for the 95 young dancers from Gotta Dance, which has studios in Martinsville, Warren, Basking Ridge and Branchburg.

There will also be a special Nutcracker Tea Party event, Friday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m., in the RVCC Conference Center (Room A). Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for children. This event will be held between performances of The Great Russian Nutcracker. An assortment of home-baked sweet treats, seasonal tea and homemade hot cocoa will be offered and each child can also have a picture taken with a Moscow Ballet ballerina. The photo is included in the ticket price. The event is recommended for children age four and older.

A Christmas Carol (Nebraska Theatre Caravan), Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.; $40 and $50

This Broadway-style adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is rich with thrilling ensemble music, color and movement. The production includes new renditions of holiday songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Wassail Wassail,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Away in a Manger,” “Greensleeves” and more. This touring show, which features a cast of 24 performers, live musicians and lavish scenery and costumes, has been seen by more than three million audience members.

The performance will include a “Show Starter” holiday shopping event. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the Theatre’s pop-up store will feature craft vendors and artisans offering a variety of unique and handcrafted gift items.

To purchase tickets for any of December’s offerings at the Theatre, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Subscribers’ packages are available for most Theatre series. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.

Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. For further information, visitwww.raritanval.edu.

(Images via RVCC)

Image 1 - Great Russian Nutcracker.

Image 2 - A Christmas Carol.

Image 3 - Christmas With The Annie Moses Band.

Image 4 - Live from WVL Radio Theatre: It’s a Wonderful Life..

Image 5 - The Ultimate Christmas Show.

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