Holiday Arts & Entertainment Preview

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2022 Holiday Arts & Entertainment

Preview Issue

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Local Productions of ‘The Nutcracker’ Kick Off the Holiday Season

BY KYLEE TOLAND

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

When it comes to holiday shows and performances, one of the most popular productions is the classic ballet production “The Nutcracker.”

Based on the 1816 short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet can be a tradition for many as the holiday season approaches; with people enjoying the story, dance numbers and beautiful costumes.

In Falls Church and surrounding areas, “ The Nutcracker” is being performed at local dance and ballet studios for their upcoming holiday season. Although the story of the ballet mostly remains the same with each production, these studios add their own “uniqueness” to the beloved tale.

BalletNova Center for Dance, a Falls Church ballet studio, hosts an annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker,” featuring both a petite and young adult version of the ballet. The production will be held at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington on November 26th

and 27th. Matthew Powell has been the artistic director at BalletNova for four years, and said the studio became involved with their own production of “The Nutcracker” 17 years ago, with Powell “premiering” his new production of the ballet last year.

“It’s not only entertaining for the audience,” Powell said, “but it’s good community building for the students as well because it gives them the chance to cheer each other on as they tackle these roles.”

As for how Powell’s new production of the holiday classic compares to others, he said BalletNova’s production is a “complete, unique story about a young girl named Clara who goes on a magical journey,” rather than just focusing on the dance aspect of the story.

Powell stated he wanted to feature Clara’s story more heavily due to his background in both classical ballet and theater.

For this year’s show, Powell said he is most excited about

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BALLETNOVA CENTER FOR DANCE will host its annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” at Kenmore Middle School on November 26th and 27th. Artistic director Matthew Powell, pictured above with his two “Clara’s” Amelia Waldman and Alexa Salas, has been premiering his new production of the classic ballet story since last year and said it’s good “community building “ for the students to perform in the show. (P����: K���� T�����)

Seventh Annual Falls Church Tree Fest

presents

TINY TIM’S Ken Ludwig’s and Jack Ludwig’s

CHRISTMAS CAROL

written by Ken Ludwig and Jack Ludwig produced by Hilary Adams assistant produced by Rick Portner and Julias Ware II directed by Madeleine Smith

DEC. 3 – 17, 2022

––––––––– BOX OFFICE –––––––––

703-683-0496 www.thelittletheatre.com

LTA rings in the holiday season with a new take on the classic tale by Charles Dickens.

Get ready for the wildest Christmas ride you’ve ever had!

A festive fundraiser for our community service organizations, sponsored by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS).

Friday, December 2nd, 5 pm to 9 pm & Saturday, December 3rd, 1 pm to 9 pm* *Bidding stops at 8:30 p.m.

Tree pick-up: Sunday, December 4th, 11 am to 1 pm

Ireland’s Four Provinces

105 West Broad Street, Falls Church

We invite any Greater Falls Church area non-profit interested in taking part in this fundraising event to contact: lisavarouxis58@gmail.com for more details.

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Home for the Holidays: Upcoming Events to Celebrate the Season

BY KYLEE TOLAND

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Holiday Events Roundup Festivals/Markets: Falls Church Holiday Tree Fest The Falls Church Holiday Tree Fest will be held at Ireland’s Four Provinces and is scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd, with distribution of the trees on December 4th, 2022. Each charity will decorate its own tree and should provide any literature they would like displayed on their table.

Highest bid for each tree at the end of the event wins the tree. For more information, visit https://www.vpis.org/culture/ vpis-tree-fest/ City of Falls Church Holiday Gift & Craft Show and Children’s Gift Shoppe Deck the halls during the holiday season with special gifts from the annual Holiday Gift and Craft Show at the Falls

Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St.). Nearly 40 crafters and merchants show their wares selling unique handmade items, baked goods, and more during the first weekend in December. With the help of volunteers, kids can pick out gifts ($6 and less) for their friends and family. Volunteers can also wrap the gifts for free! Hosted by the Friends of Cherry Hill Farmhouse. Hosted on December 3rd and 4th. For more information, visit https:// www.fallschurchva.gov/643/Holiday-Giftand-Craft-Show NVHG Thanksgiving Art & Craft Show The Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild (NVHG) will hold its annual Thanksgiving weekend show on November 25 — 27, 2022, at the Vienna Community Center in Vienna, Virginia (120 Cherry Street SE, Vienna). This show features 40 – 60 local (Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.) juried artists and crafters from the NVHG. The show is now open for non-members to apply. For more information, visit https://www.nvhg.org/shows1/nvhg-thanksgiving-art-%26-craft-show

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THE LONGEST-RUNNING water ski Christmas show is back for the 2022 holiday season. Waterskiing Santa takes place on Christmas Eve at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. (P����: W������� S���� 2021 ��� L��� �� ��� W���� A������� W����������)

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Markets, Ballets, Concerts and More for All Ages to Enjoy

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Old Town Alexandria Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show Start holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for your loved ones at Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on December 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Over 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing their products, just in time for the holidays. For more informa-

tion, visit https://visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-alexandria-christmas-fair-and-holiday-craft-show/ 2022 Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run The Winter Village is open nightly November 18th — January 1st from 5:00 p.m — 10:00 p.m. Ice Skating is open nightly November 18th — January 1st from 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. Weekends and holidays are the most popular times. Located at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Avenue,

Alexandria). For more information, visit https://www. novaparks.com/events/icelights 19th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fairmont, Washington D.C. The annual tree lighting ceremony in the hotel’s Courtyard begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29th.

Filled with tiny white lights and a shimmering Christmas tree, the courtyard becomes a glittering crystal garden - the perfect venue for holiday celebrations. Families can take the chill off next to heaters as

they listen to the award-winning Georgetown Visitation Madrigals perform holiday classics. For more information, visit https://washington.org/ event/fairmonts-19th-annualtree-lighting Santa’s Suite at Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown Sleigh bells will be ringing at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning December 3rd through December 18th. When Santa is checking into his D.C. residence, he brings comfort

and joy to all who believe in the magic of the holiday season. All naughty and nice children who stop by Santa’s suite with their parents will enjoy gingerbread displays. For more information, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/santas-suiteat - f ai r mont - w ash i ng ton - d c georgetown FONA’s Winter Festival Shop from local vendors, buy Christmas trees and holiday greenery, and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities.

While there, enjoy the National

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KEEGAN THEATRE’S “AN IRISH CAROL” takes a fun spin on the classic story “A Christmas Carol” on December 15th — 31st. (Photo: Cameron Whitman)

STERLING PLAYMAKER’S “If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas” runs for two consecutive weekends on November 11th and 20th (Photo: Alan Price)

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the stage at MGM National Harbor on December 15th — 18th. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for audiences. (Photo: Charisse McDaniel)

THE OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA CHRISTMAS FAIR AND HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW allows people to find the “perfect” gift for their loved ones by featuring 110 artisans, crafters and more. It will be hosted on December 10th from 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. (Photo: ByJacquiPhoto)

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Arboretum’s winter splendor and explore gardens and collections like the Gotelli Conifer Collection, Camellia Collection, and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Located at U.S. National Arboretum — New York Avenue Parking Lot (3501 New York Avenue Northeast Washington, DC). For more information, visit https://www.fona.org/events/winterfestival/ Jingle on the Lake Reston Museum joins Lake Anne Plaza for Jingle on the Lake. Hosted on December 3rd from 11:00 a.m.

— 4:00 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. For more information, visit https://www.restonmuseum.org/ event-details/jingle-on-the-lake Enchant at Nationals Park The World’s Largest Christmas Light Spectacular is back at Nationals Park from Friday, November 25th to Sunday, January 1st. Enchant features an immersive and interactive light maze created from over 4 million sparkling lights with one of the

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biggest and most magical 100-foottall holiday trees as its centerpiece.

A truly unique ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a holiday shopping marketplace with crafts, gifts, culinary treats provides a memorable experience for all.

For more information, visit https:// enchantchristmas.com/washingtondc-nationals-park/ Cherry Hill Farmhouse’s “A Very Victorian Christmas” Start your Christmas Season with a visit to Cherry Hill Farmhouse to see how Christmas was celebrated during the 1860s. Costumed re-enactors welcome friends and neighbors who gather for some holiday cheer amid the conflict. Period decorations, music, and holiday stories are part of the festivities. November 26th from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://cherryhillfallschurch.org/event/3273/ Water Skiing Santa The longest-running water ski Christmas show is back for the 2022 holiday season. Waterskiing Santa normally takes place along the historic Old Town Alexandria

Waterfront (once a vibrant commercial port) from the Founders to Point Lumley Park. For more information, visit http://www.waterskiingsanta. com/

Shows

a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. December 15th — 31st.

For more information, visit https:// keegantheatre.com/portfolio/anirish-carol-2022/

Ford’s Theatre “A Christmas Carol”

Creative Cauldron’s Christmas Cabaret Series

Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Running from November 18th— December 31st. For more information, visit https://www.fords.org/performances/current-and-upcoming/a-christmas-carol-2022/ Keegan Theatre’s “An Irish Carol” An original work by Keegan favorite Matthew J. Keenan, “An Irish Carol” is an homage to Dickens’ classic – told as only the Irish can.

This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David,

Native Veterans Celebration This Veterans Day, join us to honor the exceptional service of Native Americans in the US military in a formal dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial. The weekend celebration includes hands-on activities, films, performances, and more.

Veterans Procession and Dedication Friday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m.

Weekend Celebration Saturday and Sunday Nov. 12–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

AmericanIndian.si.edu/nnavm Photo by Matailong Du for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

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Creative Cauldron tops off their holiday celebration every year with this special Holiday Cabaret Series.

Enjoy some of Creative Cauldron’s favorite performers, as well as some talented newcomers. They’ll perform in an intimate cabaret setting with special table seating options that include wine, beer or one’s favorite beverage. Dates are to be determined.

For more information, visit https:// www.creativecauldron.org/holidaycabarets.html Providence Player’s “Cabaret Takes a Holiday” Come join the Providence Player’s as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented as a PopUp production at The Italian Café. Showing on

December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th. For more information, visit https://www. providenceplayers.org/about-us/production-history/2022-2023-season/ cabaret-takes-a-holiday/ Synetic Theater’s “Snow Maiden” In a frozen silver forest high in the mountains, a lonely boy builds a girl from snow. When she mysteriously comes to life, mischief, laughter, and enchantment abound. Told through dazzling movement, dance, and acrobatics, Synetic’s magical take on beloved folktale Snegurochka is a story of hope, friendship, and the power of dreams. December 1st through the 23rd. For more information, visit https://synetictheater.org/ event_pages/snow-maiden/ Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol” LTA rings in the holiday season with a new take on the classic tale by Charles Dickens. Tiny Tim longs to have his father home on Christmas day, but Ebenezer Scrooge won’t give Bob Cratchit the day off. Written

by Broadway’s award-winning Ken

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BalletNova

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

22-23 season

Home for the Holidays Jingle!

SAT. DEC 17, 2022 - 7:30 P.M. SUN. DEC 18, 2022 - 3:00 P.M. Helena Colindres, soprano

Traditional holiday fare with some exciting surprises! ASO welcomes soprano Helena Colindres. Music from Tchaikovsky’s and Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, holiday favorites, a sing-along and more! Welcoming back BalletNova for Saturday’s performance.

Adult: $20-$89 Student: $15 Youth: $5

(703) 548-0885

alexsym.org “STEP” UP YOUR HOLIDAY JOY

A TALE OF TWO DREAMers

ARENA STAGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS

SANCTUARY CITY

BY MARTYNA MAJOK ORIGINAL DIRECTION BY DAVID MENDIZÁBAL ASSOCIATE DIRECTION/TRANSFER DIRECTION BY CARA HINH

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 27 Photo of María Victoria Martínez and Hernán Angulo in Sanctuary City by Margot Schulman.

ORDER NOW!

ARENASTAGE.ORG 202-488-3300

MAGICAL MUSICAL HOLIDAY STEP SHOW STARTS DECEMBER 9 Photo courtesy of Step Afrika!

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Mark Your Calendars With These Fun, Holiday-Themed Festivals & Shows

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Ludwig and his son, Jack, get ready for a wild Christmas ride. Showing from December 3rd — 17th. For more information, visit https://thelittletheatre.com/performances/ Kennedy Center’s “A Candlelight Christmas” Under the direction of Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, “A Candlelight Christmas!” is a 75-minute holiday music experience featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and thrilling special guests. TWC’s “A Candlelight Christmas!” is among the DC region’s most treasured traditions. Showing from December 17th — 18th. For more information, visit https://www.kennedy-center.org/ whats-on/explore-by-genre/vocalchoral-music/2022-2023/candlelight-christmas2022/ The Barter Players: “Frosty” A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, and when he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to

life! Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas?

Showing at the Alden Theatre in Mclean on December 19th. For more information, visit https://mcleancenter.org/events/the-barter-playersfrosty/ Cirque Dreams Holidaze Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.

Showing at MGM National Harbor from December 15th — 18th. For more information, visit https://mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com/en/ entertainment/cirque-dreams-holidays.html National Theatre’s “A Magical Cirque Christmas” The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spellbinding and incredible holiday produc-

tion. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Showing from December 16th — 18th. For more information, visit https:// www.broadwayatthenational. com/show/a-magical-cirquechristmas/ Capital City Symphony: Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along Come celebrate the holiday season with Capital City Symphony and Potomac Fever.

Potomac Fever is a close-knit harmony a cappella group made up of members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Grab family, friends, and neighbors for a fun-filled concert and sing along featuring favorite holiday classics. Showing at Atlas Performing Center of the Arts on December 18th. For more information, visit https://

Northern Virginia’s Premiere School of Classical Ballet Presents

www.atlasarts.org/events/capital-city-symphony-annual-holiday-concert-and-sing-along/

held in the theater at Seneca Ridge Middle School, 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling.

Washington National Cathedral’s “Joy of Christmas”

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays”

Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm spirits. Performed from December 10th — December 11th. For more information, visit https://cathedral.org/event/joy-ofchristmas-2/2022-12-10/

Traditional holiday fare with some exciting surprises. ASO welcomes soprano Helena Colindres.

Music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, holiday favorites, a sing-along and more. December 17th — 18th. For more information, visit https://alexsym.org/performances/

Sterling Playmakers “If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas” The Sterling Playmakers announces the opening of their holiday mystery fun production of “If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas” by Pat Cook. The show runs two consecutive weekends opening November 11th and closing November 20th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.. Performances will be

Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) Join GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C. for their annual Three Kings Day Celebration. This festive end to the holiday season features the timeless story of the Magi, performances by local musicians and dance troupes, a street parade, and free gifts for children. January 8th.

For more information, visit https:// www.galatheatre.org/press-media

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Productions of ‘The Nutcracker’ To Put Locals in the Holiday Spirit Continued from Page 14

the influx of an audience for the production. BalletNova’s “The Nutcracker” also incorporates “special effects, beautiful scenery and amazing costumes.”

For more information on BalletNova Center for Dance’s production of “The Nutcracker,” visit https://balletnova.org/ The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet’s version of “The Nutcracker” will be presented on December 10th and 11th at Meridian High School. The Mclean-based ballet school is owned by Linda Kintz and her husband Mark Mejia, with co-artistic director Kintz stating the “Nutcracker” is an annual tradition since opening 37 years ago.

The school’s production of the ballet features “professional” boy dancers that Kintz said the studio brings in to dance with the older female dancers. She emphasized the Kintz-Mejia’s Academy of Ballet’s performance is not like a “kiddie show,” but rather appeals to all ages, including adults.

Since Kintz had been performing “The Nutcracker” at the age of three and

onward as both a dance student and professional dancer, she said the story is personal to her and wanted to keep the tradition going of having it performed during the holiday season when first opening the school.

Kintz added that what makes their rendition “unique” is her and her husband’s background as professional dancers and prize winners in international ballet competitions in Moscow, Russia and Varna, Bulgaria.

“I think the production is a reflection of our past as dancers and our Russian influence in the Russian system,” Kintz said.

For more information on The KintzMejia Academy of Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” visit https://www.kintzmejiaballet.org/. Linda Kintz and Mark Mejia also own The Falls Church School of Ballet, which will be hosting their production of the ballet called “The Nutcracker Suite” at the studios of The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet on December 4th. For more information on The Falls Church School of Ballet’s production, visit https://www.fcballet.org/

THE KINTZ-MEJIA ACADEMY OF BALLET’S version of “The Nutcracker” will be held at Meridian High School on December 10th and 11th. Co-artistic director Linda Kintz has been performing in productions of the classic ballet story since the age of three and wanted to carry on the holiday tradition when opening her and her husband’s dance school 37 years ago. (P����: R���� D�������)