Friday, November 30, 2007

Holiday TV and stage shows delight

The Christmas season has begun. So it's time to settle in and get ready for all of the holiday entertainment in store. For me, the holidays aren't really complete without watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "A Christmas Story" — about the kid who dreams of getting a Red Rider BB Gun as a gift from Santa — and "The Nutcracker."

Speaking of "The Nutcracker," I watched one of the best live versions of Tchaikovsky's ballet about two years ago in Hilton Head, S.C., performed by the Hilton Head Dance Theatre.

Last year, upon moving to Florida, I attended the West Coast's Black Theatre Troupe's spirited performance of "Black Nativity."

So this year, getting acquainted with more of the area's holiday offerings, I'm overwhelmed by all the holiday performances. Wonder if I'm going to be able to make them all.

I have my eye on First Church of the Nazareen's Living Christmas Tree in Bradenton, "Dickens at the Crosley" at the Powel Crosley Estate, Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Bradenton Herald's annual Holiday Boat Parade, to name a few.

Do you have any holiday entertainment traditions you'd like to share? Things you just have to see during the holidays? If so pass them on.

I can already check one item off my list — watching "A Christmas Story" with the added bonus of "Elf" starring Will Ferrell. Did that over the Thanksgiving holiday.
If all else fails, I have about half a dozen options or more of "The Nutcracker" to choose from this year between here, Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa.
— January Holmes

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