feature
U.P. events fuel holiday spirit
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by Jackie Stark his time of year means something different to every person. Whatever holiday they celebrate (or don’t), the end of December marks the end of another year—and the early-setting sun provides plenty of time for reflecting on that year gone by. So it’s no wonder this time is special to so many, with holiday celebrations that bring families together and give them a chance to remember what’s happened over the past 12 months, and recharge for the next 12. And when times become tumultuous, as they certainly have over the last year-and-a-half, traditions can help tie us together, even if we’re apart. Afternoons spent baking dozens of Christmas cookies, decorating the house with lights and setting up the Christmas village. Sledding with children on a bright Saturday morning. Giving a new set of pajamas and a book on Christmas Eve. Just as important as the traditions we keep in our homes are the ones we keep in our communities. Holiday parades, concerts, tree lightings— they’re all important parts of the fabric of community. And with the global COVID-19 pandemic, many of those traditions were paused, replaced with another evening spent at home. This year, however, those traditions are returning—to theaters, bandshells
and downtowns across the Upper Peninsula. Here’s a look at just a few:
FRT presents Elf the Musical he eminently quotable film that gave us Will Ferrell as an impossibly tall elf, more excited for Christmas than any living human, is making its debut on the Forest Roberts Theatre (FRT) stage, adapted into a musical The plot follows the life of Buddy Hobbs, who crawls into Santa’s sack of toys as a child, and is mistakenly transported back to the North Pole, where he’s then raised as an elf. Many years later, he learns he’s actually a human and takes the advice of Santa to head back to New York City and attempt to find his father. Jill Grundstrum, co-director of theatre and dance for NMU, said as the FRT schedule for the coming year was being prepared, it was clear the direction they should go. “We were all very much in agreement,” Grundstrum said. “We needed to have shows that were in some way uplifting and joyful.” The musical will include fan-favorite jokes from the original film, and is a family friendly event. “It’s been 18 months since we’ve been able to do this,” Grundstrum said. “We’re really excited to have something that has such a lovely holiday theme to it on our stage.” The NMU Department of Theatre
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Santa will help light the commons after the holiday parade in Downtown Marquette this year. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette DDA)
Marquette will host its annual hoilday parade on December 2, with a visit from Santa Claus himself. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette DDA)
and Dance is hoping to spread even more cheer during the holidays by partnering with the NMU Food Pantry to provide a donation bin in the FRT lobby through December. The NMU Food Pantry is located in Gries Hall, above the Health Center, and is open to all NMU students, faculty and staff who need assistance. In addition to shelf-stable food, other items available to patrons include personal care items, dishes, cooking utensils and cookware. There is also space for bedding, towels and winterwear for those in need. Performances take place at 8 p.m. on Friday December 3 and Saturday, December 4, with a 2 p.m. “Theatre for All” performance on Saturday, December 4 as well. This sensory-friendly show is performed in a friendly, supportive environment for families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensory sensitivities. Slight adjustments to the production are made, including reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe and spot lights that shine into the audience. House lights are faintly dimmed but remain on. Quiet and activity areas staffed with specialists are available in the lobby areas for those who need to leave their seats during the performance. Additional 8 p.m. shows take place
December 2021
Wednesday, December 8 through Saturday, December 11. Will the audience get to hear the line “SANTA’S COMING! I KNOW HIM!” that Ferrell made famous? You’ll just have to attend to find out. Christmas Tribute Dinner Theater ine Mountain Resort is offering an evening of music and humor on December 5 with Christmas Tribute Dinner Theater by Let Me Be Franks Productions. The evening will include the sounds and styles of artists such as Elvis, Reba, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond and more—all with a Christmas flair. Combining songs from incredible vocalists and comedy bits by Frank Hermans and crew, the event will prove to be a unique Christmas-themed evening. Doors open at 4 p.m., with dinner served at 5 p.m., which includes a selection of ham, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll and apple crisp. The show begins at 6 p.m. Email Barb@pinemountainresort. com to purchase tickets, which cost $50 a piece.
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Deep in the Heart of Christmas he Texas Tenors are the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America’s Got Talent.
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Marquette Monthly
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