Spoofing holiday favorites for laughs
JOYCE RUDOLPH
Preview performances, at discount prices, begin tonight for the
Troubadour Theater Company’s world premiere of “It’s a Stevie
Wonderful Life,” opening Saturday at the Falcon Theatre.
Troubadour’s previous hits include “Romeo Hall & Juliet Oates” and
last year’s holiday hit at the Falcon, “A Christmas Carol King.” This
time, the company spoofs the perennial American classic film, “It’s a
Wonderful Life,” by adding the musical styling of legendary
singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder.
L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award-winning and Ovation
Award-nominated director Matt Walker has assembled a cast of actors,
musicians and circus folk for this fast-paced and family-friendly
musical excursion.
Shows are 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays
through Dec. 28. There are no performances on Christmas Eve or
Christmas. Tickets range from $25 to $37.50. The Falcon Theatre is at
4252 Riverside Drive in Burbank. For reservations, call 955-8101.
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The annual Holiday Boutique opens this weekend from 11 a.m. to 7
p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Creative Arts
Center.
Items offered are pottery, watercolor paintings, photographs,
porcelain and cloth dolls, jewelry and clothing, said Barbara Rog,
recreation program specialist.
“All artwork is original and made by students enrolled in classes
at the arts center, staff and members of the Fine Arts Federation,”
she said.
The sale continues through Dec. 18. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. The center is at
1100 W. Clark Ave. For more information, call 238-5397.
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The Colony Theatre Company, which won its second consecutive
Ovation Award for Best Play last week, has acquired yet another
honor.
It was also named one of the top 25 theater companies in the
United States two years in a row by Encyclopedia Britannica, Barbara
Beckley, producing director said.
“Coming to Burbank has been a perfect marriage for us,” she said.
“Support from elected city officials, city staff and residents has
given us the confidence to grow. And awards like these are the happy
result.”
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The Burbank Art Assn. has opened a Holiday Gallery showcasing
works of its award-winning members at the Media City Center. The
original framed paintings that are offered for sale are in
watercolor, oil and acrylic and vary in size.
Hours are from 1 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to
6 p.m. Sundays until after Christmas. The gallery is on the first
floor between Macy’s and the carousel.
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Burbank High School choir members will provide the holiday-themed
entertainment at the Burbank High Vocal Music Assn.’s Pancake
Breakfast fund-raiser from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recreation hall, 136 N. Sunset
Canyon Drive.
Pancakes, sausage, fruit and juice are on the menu. Santa Claus
will be available for photographs and his elves will be helping hand
out door prizes and face-painting.
Advance tickets are $7, and $5 for children 10 and younger, and
can be purchased by calling 558-4700, ext. 1227, or 954-8484. Tickets
at the door are $1 more.
Proceeds help cover choir costs for equipment purchases,
accompanist fees, financial aid for students, music clinics and other
production and travel expenses associated with local and national
show choir competitions.
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Providence High School has postponed its fund-raising production
of “Late Nite Catechism” on Dec. 13 because of other commitments the
school has taken on. Details will be published in this column when
the new date is announced.
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A musical extravaganza for all ages is planned for the Glendale
Symphony Orchestra’s “Christmas Celebration” Friday evening at The
Alex Theatre.
“It’s the largest event ever staged by the Glendale Symphony in
its 79-year history,” said Music Director/Conductor Norman Henry
Mamey.
For the older generation, the orchestra will play holiday carols
they’ve heard since they were young and classical pieces that were
written before they were born, he said. Youngsters will be able to
appreciate the talents of a 10-year-old pianist featured in the show.
Everyone will enjoy the familiar tunes from “The Nutcracker.”
Mamey has invited pianist Roger Williams and singer Roslyn Kind as
well as several gifted young musicians, including 18-year-old soprano
Lily Gevorkian, singing Mozart’s “Alleluia”; 15-year-old cellist Leah
Metzler, performing Aram Khachaturian’s “Elegy”; and 10-year-old
pianist Sophia Keshishian, who will play the first movement of Dmitri
Kabalevsky’s Piano Concerto.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $125. For
reservations, call The Alex Theatre at 243-2539. The theater is at
216 N. Brand Blvd. in Glendale.
* JOYCE RUDOLPH’s column appears Wednesdays. For events happening
this weekend, read her 48 Hours column Saturdays. Reach her at
637-3241.