In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, local theaters are staging events and performances to celebrate the season.
Two River Theater in Red Bank recently held a Caroling and Crafting event that included holiday treats.
An event that was held Nov. 22 was led by the decorating company, Table Setting Is My Life, and was held in conjunction with Two River’s production of “Lion in Winter.”
Participants at the event donated nonperishable food items for the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean counties.
The Monmouth Civic Chorus (MCC) delighted the crafters with festive holiday songs throughout the night, as guests of all ages learned how to make their own Christmas cracker crafts (an English tradition).
“Sharing the gift of music is one of my favorite holiday pleasures, and as a Christmas caroler recently at the Two River Theater Christmas craft event, I had the opportunity to share that gift. As we began the first tune, my heart swelled with joy as the busy crowd silenced, drawn in by our music.” said an MCC caroler, Christine Psolka of Wayside.
The event brought back memories to Psolka.
“As the children and their parents were busy making new Christmas memories, that night I relived my own childhood memories of caroling throughout our northeastern Pennsylvania town on a snowy winter night or singing in the church choir at the Christmas Eve Mass. As a child my family didn’t have much in the way of material goods, but we always had each other, and music making.” said Psolka.
“In addition to producing world class theater, Two River is extremely committed to engaging with our local community members and organizations. Our Caroling and Crafting event was a great way to kick off the holiday season, and we cannot be more thankful to the MCC and the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean counties for partnering with us on this festive family-friendly event,” said Two River Theater’s Marketing Director Courtney Schroeder.
The holiday season at the Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater at Two River Theater, kicked off with a production of “Lion in Winter,” set during Christmas in 1183, which ran through Dec. 4 . The upcoming production “A Very Electric Christmas,” will be a festive show the entire family can enjoy. With only 10 performances scheduled from Dec. 27-30, this limited engagement is expected to sell out quickly.
The show is produced by Lightwave Theater and features the music of Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, Tchaikovsky and more. The production will brighten up the holiday season with music, movement and neon lights that fill the stage as dancers and puppets bring about a magical experience.
Tickets for “A Very Electric Christmas” are available at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, or by calling 732-345-1400 or visiting www.tworivertheater.org.
The MCC is a community chorus in Monmouth County dedicated to artistic excellence. In addition to singing locally, the group has brought the finest in choral music to audiences around the world since 1949.
“It becomes clear, each year, that all of us are part of a community. Regardless of our differences, music brings us together in a way that fills the heart. Whether as singers or listeners, at this time of the year none of us is alone.”, said Psolka.
Memorable performances have been at Carnegie Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue in New York City, St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna with members of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra.
The MCC will be performing their next local show, “Joy to the World,” at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. Selections will include Handel’s beloved “Messiah” and Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio,” Artistic Director Dr. Ryan James Brandau’s heartwarming arrangements of “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Deck the Hall,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and more holiday classics.
“I’ve been singing most of these Christmas carols since I was a boy. I estimate that I’ve sung “JIngle Bells” and “Silent Night” more than 1000 times in my life. I know these songs by heart, all the verses, melody and harmony, so it’s almost like meditation to sing them. Plus, caroling is always done with a group. There’s no such thing as a solo Christmas caroler.” said MCC caroler, Warren R. Moe.
Tickets for “Joy to the World” are available at Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, or by calling 723-842-9000.