Ballet West's The Nutcracker 2025

Yesterday I went to a matinee performance of The Nutcracker with Ballet West and I loved it!  It makes me so happy to anticipate all of my favorite scenes and the palpable excitement of the little girl sitting next to me made the experience even more magical!  I love how the backdrops are slowly raised, one after the other, to reveal the street outside Dr. Drosselmeyer's toy shop, the street outside the Stahlbaum home, the doors outside the ballroom, and then the ballroom itself because it heightens the excitement for the first look at the Christmas tree!  The party scene is so much fun and I loved seeing all of the children because they do a great job, especially Lauren Hildebrand, who dances the role of Clara, because her facial expressions are very emphatic.  I also loved the doddering grandparents (Jacob Hancock and Lillian Casscells) in this scene because they are a hoot.  I loved seeing the Land of Snow through the panes of a frosted window before the Snow Queen and King dance a pas de deux with their snowflakes.  Claire Spainhour and Robert Fowler, respectively, dance these roles beautifully and their lifts, especially, are incredibly graceful in the falling snow.  I loved all of the divertissements the Sugar Plum Fairy shows to Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in the Land of Sweets but, as always, my favorites were the Arabian dance because it is so exotic and the Russian dance because all of the athletic leaps and spins are so exhilarating!  I also loved seeing Mother Buffoon because her children are so adorable, particularly the little one who flips across the stage!  The Grand pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier is always the highlight for me and Rylee Ann Rogers and Tyler Gum, respectively, are dazzling in the roles.  I loved seeing her leap into his arms and then lean all the way forward, almost touching the stage, without any support from him because it is quite spectacular (I'm sure there is a proper ballet term for this).  I love all of Tchaikovsky's music but the score for this ballet is a particular favorite.  I especially loved the harp in the "Waltz of the Snowflakes" and the clarinet in the "Arabian Dance" but my favorite is the Adagio from the Grand pas de deux because I think it is one of the most romantic pieces in the classical canon.  I loved trying to find differences from other productions (since I see it every year) and, even though I can't confirm this anywhere, I think that there are new costumes for Dr. Drosselmeyer and his nephew, the snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy's attendants, and the Mirlitons (who now play reed flutes during the dance).  I love attending this ballet every year and I would definitely recommend adding it to your holiday traditions (go here for tickets).  It runs at the Capitol Theatre through December 27 with multiple matinees.

A Christmas Carol at Parker Theatre 2025

Last year I saw five productions of A Christmas Carol and, honestly, it turned into a chore to get through all of them. This year I decided that I only wanted to see one so that I could really enjoy it (I also wanted to have more time to spend with my family) and I picked Parker Theatre's version because it is my favorite (it is so atmospheric and dramatic). I had the chance to see it last night and I think I made the right decision because I loved every minute of it! This tells the familiar story of how Ebenezer Scrooge (Mark Knowles) is redeemed after the ghost of his partner Jacob Marley (Stuart Mitchell) arranges for him to be visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Helene Parker), Present (David Hansen), and Future (Helene Parker). However, there are many original elements specific to this particular production that make it my favorite. I love that Marley is shown haunting Scrooge at their counting house and other locations before he appears to him in his bed chamber because it is so foreboding. I love that many of the characters Scrooge interacts with in the present, such as a poor child singing carols (Eloise Hohl), his nephew Fred (Truman Schipper), and his clerk Bob Cratchit (Chris Last), appear to him as if in a dream when he interacts with characters from his past, including his younger self (Tristan Curtis), his sister Fan (Samara Douros), and his employer Mr. Fezziwig (Jim Dale), respectively, to soften his heart because it gives depth and meaning to his eventual redemption. I love the romantic dance between the young Ebenezer (Spencer Hohl) and Belle (Isabelle Purdie) because it provides a sharp contrast to the later scene when she releases him from their betrothal. I also love how Scrooge learns the truth by opening his coffin in the cemetery because it is incredibly dramatic (especially when chains emerge from the coffin to claim him). The sets are much more minimal than other productions I've seen (Scrooge's counting house and bed chamber are the most elaborate) but I love the use of scrims, projections, fog, and atmospheric lighting and sound design to create an otherworldly mood. It was fun to see many in the cast reprise the same roles from previous productions and, while I loved every performance, I was most impressed by Knowles, because his gradual transformation from the bitter old miser at the beginning of the show to the more lighthearted character we see at the end is brilliantly conveyed through facial expressions and body language, and by Hansen, because I found his sudden change from a jolly spirit who brings the joy of the season to Scrooge to one who accuses him of ignoring his fellow man to be absolutely devastating (especially since his delivery is very quiet). Seeing A Christmas Carol has always been an important tradition for me and I am so glad that I picked this production to celebrate the season this year! I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here) for one of the performances on Fridays and Saturdays (or on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during the final week) through December 24.

'Twas the Night Before at the Eccles

I really enjoyed the Cirque du Soleil shows that I have seen (Mystere and Love in Las Vegas) so I was excited to see their first ever Christmas show, 'Twas the Night Before, last night at the Eccles Theatre. As expected, it is a dazzling spectacle that is sure to give you a big dose of Christmas cheer! Isabella (Elodie Sanna) and her Father (William Borges) always read "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore together but this year she feels that she has outgrown the tradition and even rejects the bicycle he gives her as a present. Then a winter storm separates them and they are transported by mischievous elves into a magical world inspired by the poem and brought to life by whimsical aerialists, jugglers, and acrobats. They are eventually reunited by Santa Claus (Chris Aguirre Aceituno) and his reindeer with a new sense of joy and wonder for the holiday. The stage features a glittering backdrop of tinsel and lights with a large ramp (which I thought would be used more) connecting an upper level to the main level. The show also includes really fun remixes of traditional Christmas songs (my favorite was "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" performed by a cello during an aerial routine) with choreography that is perfectly in sync with the beat. The performances are nothing short of amazing and there were multiple times when I wondered how the cast members were able to execute such impressive stunts (the audience broke out into spontaneous applause in the middle of almost every number). The highlight for me was when a group, including Shih-Rong Huang, Yi-Fang Chen, Yu-Hui Teng, and Shih-Wei Huang, toss illuminated diabolos, or spinning tops on wires, across the stage and into the audience because it looks so cool (I have no idea how they were able to catch them on the wires). I also loved seeing an aerialist (Victoria Baudry-McPherson) spin on a rotating hotel cart, a group of reindeer (Aaron Blomme, Esteban Masco, David Tanner, Lucas Costa De Souza, Mohamed Conte, Changzheng Xu, and Shane William Minerich) jump and perform somersaults through impossibly high rings, and Isabella balance on a moving bicycle. This show is not quite as immersive as the ones I have seen in Las Vegas (which are performed in the round) but it is a lot of fun and it is perfect for families during this holiday season. It runs at the Eccles Theatre through December 14 with multiple shows on Saturdays and Sundays (go here for tickets).

Festival of Trees 2025

The Festival of Trees is an event I look forward to all year because it is so much fun to volunteer and it is such a worthwhile cause since every single penny raised goes to benefit Primary Children's Hospital!  Various groups and individuals decorate trees, usually to commemorate someone who is or has been a patient at Primary Children's Hospital, and then donate them.  The trees are put up for auction and then displayed at the Mountain America Expo Center for the duration of the festival.  In addition to the trees, there are centerpieces, wreaths, quilts, and gingerbread houses on display with lots of activities for kids (even Santa) and treats to purchase (I may or may not have had two cinnamon rolls).  This was my fifteenth year volunteering as a hostess and when my shift was over I got to look around.  Here are some of my favorite trees.

Wicked was very "popular" at the festival this year.

This was my favorite.

The Festival of Trees runs at the Mountain America Expo Center through December 6.  Go here for more information and tickets.

Gentri Christmas at the Eccles 2025

I love hearing Christmas music performed live so I was really excited for the Gentri Christmas concert last night.  This was my fourth year attending this concert and it has become one of my favorite traditions!  Casey Elliott, Brad Robbins, and Bradley Quinn Lever, better known as Gentri (short for The Gentlemen Trio), began with "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," "He Is Born, the Heavenly Child," "We Three Kings," and "Away in a Manger."  Then they were joined by the Rise Up Children's Choir for "Ave Maria" (the children carried candles and sounded like angels) and "Do You Hear What I Hear."  In between these songs, three of the boys from the choir, who have formed their own trio called the Junior Gents, performed "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and they were really good (the gents joked that they could take over for them when they become the Geriatric Gents).  Next came their original song "Finding Christmas" and then "O Holy Night" which I absolutely loved because their arrangement is so beautiful (this has been my favorite Christmas song since I was a little girl and I always hope to hear it performed live every year).  They concluded their first set with "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" which was very powerful.  After the intermission, they performed a mash-up of "Go Tell it on the Mountain" and "Joy to the World" featuring David Halliday on saxophone.  This really got going with lots of audience participation!  They continued with "Little Drummer Boy," which is one of their most popular songs, with Nick Johnson on acoustic guitar followed by their original song "All is Well" with the Rise Up Children's Choir.  Their music director Stephen Nelson arranged a piece on the spot using a movie score and a Christmas song suggested by the audience (they do this every year and it is extremely popular with the crowd).  Our audience picked the theme from Mission: Impossible and "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and it was surprisingly good!  They continued with their version of "Silent Night" and then their original song "Somewhere in Your Silent Night" which is one of my favorite Gentri songs.  They performed "Welcome to Our World" from their latest Christmas album Emmanuel and then ended with a rousing rendition of "O Come, All Ye Faithful."  The gents were as amusing as ever and it was a wonderful concert!  I thoroughly enjoyed it and got a big dose of Christmas cheer!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I finally put my tree up a few days ago (I usually put it up a lot earlier but I've been a bit lazy) and now that it is up I am really excited for Christmas!  This year I have decided to slow down and not see so many shows (last year I saw five different productions of A Christmas Carol and it got to be a chore to get through all of them) so I can spend more time with my family.  We are planning on a craft night, a baking night to make Christmas treats for our neighbors, a night to make gingerbread houses, a night to go see Christmas lights, and lots of movie nights (we are compiling a list).  I am also really excited because my niece and her husband are coming on Christmas Eve for a week!

I really love this time of year (I especially love sitting in my living room with just the light from the Christmas tree) and I am determined to enjoy every minute of it!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

A Christmas Story at CPT

I think the musical A Christmas Story is really fun and the new production at CPT, which I was able to see last night, is so good it deserves a major award! It is one month to Christmas and Ralphie Parker (Sam Akerlow) desperately wants an official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time. However, his Mother (Lindsey Stephens), his teacher Miss Shields (Abigail June Mathews), and even Santa Claus (Micah Young) all tell him that he will shoot his eye out despite all of his elaborate schemes to convince them. What I love most about this show is that all of the iconic scenes from the movie (which I love) are brought to life on stage, including when Randy (Danny Gallagher) eats like a piggy, when Schwartz (Atticus Bronson) triple dog dares Flick (Jack Stephens) to stick his tongue to the flag pole, when the Old Man (Andy Leger) wins a major award, when Ralphie says the F-dash-dash-dash world while helping the Old Man change a tire, when Ralphie gets into a fight with Scut Farkus (John Nelson Wakley), when Ralphie gets a bunny costume from Aunt Clara, and when one of the Bumpus Hounds (played by Annie, making her stage debut) eats the turkey. I looked forward to all of these scenes and I often found myself mouthing all of the dialogue as it was spoken (I watch the movie several times every year). What I loved most about this specific production is the incredible talent of the young cast! Akerlow is a very endearing Ralphie and I loved his heartfelt performances of "It All Comes Down to Christmas," "Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun," "Ralphie to the Rescue," and "Before the Old Man Comes Home." The kids in the ensemble are also outstanding, especially with the choreography in "It All Comes Down to Christmas (Reprise)," "When You're a Wimp," "Ralphie to the Rescue," "Sticky Situation," "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" (I loved seeing the kids tap dance!), "Up On Santa's Lap," and "Somewhere Over Indiana" because they are so energetic. I particularly enjoyed Luciana Foster (the youngest member of the ensemble) because she is in character the whole time (her facial expressions are absolutely hilarious) and her tap dancing is incredible! The adults in the cast also do a great job and I really liked Rick Murdock, who narrates the show as radio personality Jean Shepherd, Mathews, who does a great job with the tap dancing in "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out," and Leger, who gives a spirited performance in "A Major Award" (I loved the kick-line with the lamps) and ad-libs a steady stream of made up expletives (my favorite was Fahrvergnugen).  Finally, this production features one of the best, and most elaborate, sets I've ever seen for this show (including the Broadway touring production and the one at PTC). I was really impressed by the Parker house, which features three large set pieces that rotate to show different views, and the Santa display at Higbee's Department Store, which includes a large slide. I had a huge smile on my face during the entire show and I recommend getting a ticket (go here) for a big dose of Christmas cheer! It runs on the Mountain America Main Stage through December 16.

Christmas 2024

Yesterday was a lovely day!  I celebrated Christmas with my family at my sister Kristine's house and everything was planned by my nephew.  We exchanged stockings (I had Sean and Trent had me) and then we opened presents while it snowed outside (it was quite magical).  I got a quilt, sheets, and pillows for my new bed, an air fryer (which I am really excited to start using), some new shoes, and the movie Dune Part Two (which I am really excited to watch).  We were all very spoiled this year!  After opening presents we continued the tradition started by my mom of having cinnamon rolls and orange juice (this year Kristine made the cinnamon rolls and they were delicious).  In the afternoon we had a wonderful dinner of chicken cordon bleu, twice baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, and rolls.  In the evening we ate lots of treats and played Shanghai rummy, which always gets crazy (I won), then had pie.  It was such a great Christmas and I hope all of you also had a nice day with family and friends.

Nathan Pacheco Christmas Concert 2024

I tagged along with my sister Marilyn and her friend Kelli to Nathan Pachecho's Christmas concert at Abravanel Hall last year and I loved it so much I got a ticket for this year's concert and tagged along again (although this year I was one of the cool kids and was invited to dinner at Little America before the show). The concert was last night and, once again, Pacheco put on an amazing show. He began with "God Bless Us Everyone" from the movie Scrooge and "Hark! The Herald Angel Sings" and then told the crowd that it would be an eclectic evening with both Christmas songs and other songs he likes to perform. Then he proceeded to sing "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's opera Turandot, "Questa O Quello" from Verdi's opera Rigoletto, and "Time to Say Goodbye" just because he can (he is a classically trained tenor with an incredible voice). He called the next section the musical theatre portion of the concert and sang "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables (this gave me goosebumps) and "Who We Become" from his own musical Beloved. Next came emotional renditions of "Come As You Are" and "Forever" from his album Higher. He returned to Christmas songs with a beautiful performance of "Mary, Did You Know?' and then continued with "Angels We Have Heard on High," "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" (this was a dramatic arrangement featuring the cello and I loved it), "White Christmas," and "Silent Night." He sang a powerful version of "I Believe in Christ" which brought everyone at Abravanel Hall to their feet. I first learned about Nathan Pacheco when he was a guest vocalist at one of Kurt Bestor's Christmas concerts and he sang one of the best versions of "O Holy Night" that I have ever heard. I was really hoping that he would sing it last night and I was thrilled when he ended the concert with it. I have been so lucky to hear this performed live four times this season (this was my final Christmas concert this year) and I think I saved the best for last because I had goosebumps through the whole thing. For the encore, he performed "The Prayer" which is one of his best known songs. I thoroughly enjoyed this concert because every song he sang was beautiful and he was so charming with the crowd! I hope that I will be able to see him again next year.

Note:  During dinner we talked about the song we each hoped that he would sing.  I, of course, wanted to hear "O Holy Night," Marilyn wanted to hear "Nessun Dorma," Kelli wanted to hear "I Believe in Christ," and Teri (Kelli's daughter-in-law) wanted to hear "The Prayer."  All four of us got to hear our favorites so the night was a complete success!

Gingerbread Houses 2024

Last night we had our annual gingerbread house party and we had a lot of fun!  We always buy kits and this year we got ones that were pre-built (although we had to fix a bit of damage) which saved us a lot of time.  We also always buy more candy to supplement what comes with each kit.

Our gingerbread village

Sean's house

My house

Marilyn's house

Kristine's house

We have had a lot of fun doing lots of Christmas activities with Sean this season!