‘A
CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Springfield police officer Eddie Sierra is Scrooge in 52 Sumner production. Page D2
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
At right, production manager of “A Christmas Carol” Roxanne Gambill makes final costume adjustments to Rachel Jerusik, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past and a Victorian Lady. Below, Eddie Sierra (left) as Scrooge, Sean Davis (middle) and Samantha Jones as solicitors act out a scene from the play. (SOPHIE MARKHAM PHOTOS)
By Ashley Potter | apotter@repub.com
Roxanne Gambill is celebrating this holiday season in an unforgettable way — putting on a production of “A Christmas Carol,” which her husband and daughter both play roles in.
“This is something that really only happens once in a lifetime,” Gambill said.
Gambill’s version of “A Christmas Carol,” which will be staged at 52 Sumner on Saturday, is based on the original novel written by Charles Dickens in 1843.
The play follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who hates Christmas. He is
‘Carol’
visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, as well as the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, through which he learns the true meaning of the holiday.
“We went back to the way Charles Dickens explained it and the way he told the story with a narration style. I wanted to go back to those simpler times, when there wasn’t all the tech, the lights and the dazzle,” Gambill said. “The play has not been changed at all. It has just been pared down.”
The original version of “A Christmas Carol” was nearly four hours long and contained a lot of Victorian language that many people today wouldn’t necessarily understand.
Gambill’s version of the play is about an hour and a half long, and the Victorian language has been removed, making it easier to understand and more family-friendly.
“I really wanted the kids to
come in and understand what the true meaning of the story is. Scrooge is so sour, he’s just so miserly because of the choices that he made earlier in his life,” Gambill said. “But with some reflection and with the idea of hope, things can change. You see that metamorphosis in the play and you see him come back to what Christmas really means, and that’s being with friends and family. And that time really is the biggest gift.”
The former church, too, is being transformed for the holiday production. On a recent rehearsal night, festive garland was being strung across the balcony and a giant Christmas tree stood at the center of the stage.
“From the moment you walk in the door, we want you to feel like you are in a Victorian postcard,” Gambill explained, adding that there will be carolers dressed in full Victorian garb — mem-
“If I can help bring the neighborhood together and help them enjoy the festive season a little bit more, that’s my end goal.”
Roxanne Gambill, production manager, “A Christmas Carol”
“I’m a police officer and I see a bunch of kids who could benefit from something like art or theater. I feel like we could eliminate a lot of problems that we have in our city if we get young people involved in things like this.”
bers of the Valley Carolers Group — who will be welcoming guests as they walk through the doors.
They will also be walking the aisles and performing carols during the show, Gambill said.
“If I can help bring the neighborhood together and help them enjoy the festive season a little bit more, that’s my end goal,” Gambill said. “That’s really what it’s all about for me, just making people happy.”
She’s not alone in that goal.
Her husband, Gabriel Gambill, plays the role of the narrator and her daughter, Ashley Gambill, plays the Ghost of Christmas Future.
“Working with both my parents has just been fantastic,” Ashley said. “My dad has a fantastic voice for
Instant Issues
Dr. Laura Reed
narrating. He really enjoys it. And I love seeing that on his face because he’s not a huge theater person.”
As for working with her mother, Ashley said: “She’s doing a fantastic job. I just love watching her take the reins and be the leader that she always has been.”
Gambill isn’t the only one with family in the play.
Eddie Sierra, who plays Scrooge and works as a police officer for the city of Springfield, was joined at rehearsal by his son and daughter, who also have parts in the play.
“I want to show them that theater can be alive again.
I’m a police officer and I see a bunch of kids who could benefit from something like art or theater. I feel like we could eliminate a lot of problems that we have in our city if we get young people involved in things like this,” Sierra said, adding that for him, acting is a passion.
“It really created me into who I am today,” Sierra said. “I used to be shy when I was younger, but acting allowed me to get on the stage and just pretend to be someone else. And, even with being a police officer, mental health is something serious. So, this is my therapy.”
He said that to play the part of Scrooge he had to channel his “inner miserable old man.”
“I’m usually very joyful and happy and high energy, but I watched Jim Carrey’s ‘A
The Future of Nuclear Weapons in a Perilous World
Tuesday, December 16th at noon to 1 pm 1350 Main Street, 9th Floor Gallery, downtown Springfield Register at wacwestma.org or scan QR Code
Special Thanks To NAI/Plotkin
For more information, call 413-733-0110 or email info@wacwestma.org.
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
Alberto Marte, left, who plays Peter Cratchit and the nephew of Scrooge, and his father, Eddie Sierra as Scrooge, act out a scene during a recent rehearsal for "A Christmas Carol" at 52 Sumner. (SOPHIE MARKHAM)
Eddie Sierra, who plays Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”
Roxanne Gambill, production manager of “A Christmas Carol,” gives pointers to cast members during a recent rehearsal at 52 Sumner. (SOPHIE MARKHAM)
SEE ‘CAROL’, PAGE D6
‘A Gospel Christmas’
Michelle Brooks-Thompson, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, former NBC’s “The Voice” finalist and Apollo Amateur Night Champion, performs the national anthem during a Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Phoenix Suns in this file photo.
Michelle BrooksThompson to perform concert at Majestic Theater
By K eith O ’C onnor Special
to The Republican WEST SPRINGFIELD — The joyful sounds of “A Gospel Christmas” will ring out at the Majestic Theater on Tuesday, Dec. 16, with Grammy-nominated recording artist
Michelle Brooks-Thompson reminding guests of the “reason for the season.”
Showtime at the West Springfield theater is 7 p.m.
“Sue (Dziura, Majestic’s associate producing director) reached out to me and asked if a gospel Christmas show would be something I would be interested in doing,” Brooks-Thompson, who is a gospel singer and worship leader at Red Oak Church in West Springfield, said.
“It is that time of year when
SantaCon is coming to (down)town
NIGHTCLUBS
THURSDAY
Drawing Board Brewing Company: Song Share Sessions: Nonbinary, Trans & Women Singer
Songwriters. 36 Main St., Florence
Theodores’: Danielle Maraglia. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Joe Fenti. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Shaker Farms Country Club: Just Me & Her. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield
Theodores’: Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
people are caroling and there are many Christmas concerts and good music around and I said ‘yes,’ that I would love to do it,” she added.
The gospel singer is no stranger to the Majestic Theater stage, where she has been a part of their summer concert series, performing Whitney Houston and Celine Dion tribute shows.
Some of the songs people can expect at the concert include “Jesus O What a Wonderful Child,” “Go Tell It on The Mountain,” “Who Would Imagine a King” from the movie “The Preacher’s Wife,” “Now Behold the Lamb,” as well as a gospel version of the late Donny Hathaway song, “This Christmas.”
“And it wouldn’t be a Christmas concert without singing ‘Mary, Did You Know,’ and traditional carols like ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Silver Bells,’ ‘Oh, Holy Night,’ and all those good ones
Holiday revelers are invited to don their Santa hats and best (or ugliest) Christmas sweater to participate in SantaCon, returning to downtown Springfield tonight only. In fact, for this party, holiday attire of some kind is required. The event will kick off with registration starting at 5:30 p.m. at MGM Springfield’s lobby bar. The bar crawl will stop at several downtown establishments, including White Lion Brewing, the Student Prince, Theodores’ Blues, Booze & BBQ, and Mamou’s. Attendees must be 21 and older. Tickets to SantaCon start at $17.85 for general admission and can be purchased in advance online at Eventbrite. Above, Jameson Krajeik and John Nieb enjoy a past SantaCon. (ERIK KAPLAN PHOTO)
West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: C02. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Joe Fenti. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Drake: Taylor Swift Dance Party. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Theodores’: The Amplifiers. 201 Worthington St., Springfield SEE NIGHTCLUBS, PAGE D12
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15 Open Seating
2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus
1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
SPRINGFIELD
Nields’ Welcome Table Chorus concert to benefit Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
TWO THINGS THAT have an almost innate ability to bring people together are food and music.
And that combination will be the focus of an upcoming Welcome Table Chorus concert at Northampton’s Bombyx Center for the Arts on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. The evening will feature a massive chorus of singers and proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
The Welcome Table Chorus is the brainchild of Nerissa Nields of local folk duo The Nields. Nields said she had created a similar folk chorus when she was in college in the late 1980s.
“So, it’s something I’ve been interested in my entire life,” she said. “The college chorus was called Tangled Up in Blue and that was sort of a template for me.”
Although she is best known for her work with The Nields, who blend folk, rock and pop into their sound, Nields is no stranger to choral music. Along her music journey, she has created and conducted choruses for children, including one in Northampton which turned into three different groups and ran for five years until the pandemic hit.
Of course, COVID stopped most live music and community events in their tracks.
Then last April, Nields and her husband went to Boston with friends for the “No Kings” rally and one of her friends happened to be a parent of one of the children from a previous chorus.
“She asked me if I ever thought about starting a chorus for adults and said that if I did, she’d join it in a second,” Nields said.
The idea intrigued Nields, but initially she thought it would be too much work. But after mulling it a bit, she called her sister (and bandmate) Katryna, who had been running a few youth choruses already and asked her if that’s
The chorus itself is also diverse.
“It’s a mixture. I got all kinds of different all different kinds of people. Some are quite good, and some are complete beginners. I have some parents from the earlier choruses. We have people who are Nields fans, and we have people who don’t know anything about us,” Nields said. “I even have one of my classmates from college who is doing it 40 years later with her husband.”
something she would want to do together.
“And she didn’t even hesitate. She immediately said ‘yes.’ But we debated it and went back-and-forth and wondered if it would be too much time or if we would lose our minds,” Nields said with a laugh.
In the end, the sisters decided to forge ahead.
“I think this is something that people need; we need to sing with other people and be in community with other people,” Nields said. “Especially with the twin things of people being more cautious and isolated after COVID and the political climate being what it is, it’s important that people do gather.”
So, they put out the word, expecting to get maybe 30 people.
They got 80.
“We started out with about 80 singers — there were no auditions so anybody could join. But people whittle themselves away, and now we have about 60 to 70,” Nields said.
The songs that will be performed are about inclusion, love and activism, Nields said, but it will be a diverse set list. Some of the songs on the setlist include Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are
A-Changin’, “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen, “Don’t Carry It All” by the Decemberists, and “Dreams” by The Cranberries.
“I think this is something that people need; we need to sing with other people and be in community with other people.”
Nerissa Nields
Nields mused about why singing gives people a sense of community.
The chorus will be singing all these tunes in four-part harmony and putting that together so quickly (the chorus just started in September) is a daunting task. But fortunately, Nields relied heavily on her former chorus work.
“A lot of the songs we chose were ones that we already had arrangements for,” she said.
“I think there’s a kind of spiritual thing that happens, which would be kind of hard to define in words, but we all know it when we feel it,” she said. “But from a technical point of view, when you’re singing with other people — at least the way we’re teaching it — you really have to listen. You have to pay attention to what your neighbors are singing. You have to look each other in the eyes if you’re singing together. It’s pretty intimate.”
Select dates through December 30
Share the magic of the season with friends and family.
Sisters Katryna, left, and Nerissa Nields make up the folk rock duo The Nields. The sisters co-direct the Welcome Table Chorus, which will play a concert at the Bombyx Center for the Arts in Northampton to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
William Waldrop conducts the Springfield Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Concert in 2023. He will conduct this year’s concert on Saturday.
HOLIDAY POPS
SSO to play mix of Latin, classic Christmas music
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican SPRINGFIELD — Latin flair will be at the forefront of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Pops concert on Saturday with the Springfield Symphony Chorus, led by Nikki Stoia, cantor Elise Barber, and Broadway star and Mexican immigrant Florencia Cuenca.
The family-friendly matinée concert will begin at 4 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall and will be led by returning guest conductor William Waldrop.
Cuenca will take center stage to perform favorites such as “Feliz Navidad” and “Las Cantares de Navidad.” She recently made history playing Estela Garcia in the musical adaptation of “Real Women Have Curves,” becoming the first Mexican immigrant to originate a co-leading role on Broadway.
Waldrop said that he looks forward to Christmas and its
special music every year.
“I love Christmas. I might start listening to Christmas music around the end of October. I’m always preparing for a holiday concert, so it’s one of my favorite times of the year,” he said.
John Rutter, he added, is one of his favorite composers of Christmas music, and one of his pieces — “Three Kings
‘Carol’
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
Christmas Carol’ and I adapted a lot of the mannerisms and inflection to try to bring the magic on stage here.”
His son, Alberto, plays Scrooge’s nephew and one of Peter Cratchit’s sons, and his daughter, Jazlean, plays a Village Girl.
Present, Ashley Gambill as Ghost of Christmas Future, Alberto Marte as Nephew of Scrooge/Peter Cratchit, Marlow Bunch as Tiny Tim, Jazlean Nevarez as Miss Fezziwig/Village Girl, Samantha Jones and Sean Davis as Solicitors, and Stephanie Davis and Rachel Jerusik as Victorian Ladies.
“A Christmas Carol” will be staged at 52 Sumner on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. to enjoy the Victorian caroling.
Rachel Jerusik, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past and a Victorian Lady, was also joined at rehearsal by her father, Peter Jerusik. But, looking around the room during rehearsal, Ashley Gambill said everyone has become “one big holiday family” working to put on this production.
The complete cast of “A Christmas Carol” includes Gabriel Gambill as the Narrator, Eddie Sierra as Scrooge, Erin Freed as Jacob Marley’s Ghost, Peter Jerusik as Bob Cratchit, Kate Reilly as Mrs. Cratchit, Grace Peltier as Mr. Fezziwig, Rachel Jerusik as Ghost of Christmas Past, Sean Davis as Ghost of Christmas
“A Christmas Carol” will be staged at 52 Sumner on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. to enjoy the Victorian caroling. Tickets, which begin at $18, can be purchased online at 52sumner.com
Angela Park, co-founder of Springfield Performing Arts Ventures Inc., who worked with Roxanne to bring “A Christmas Carol” to the venue, said that she “loves Christmas” and is excited to see the final production.
“This is what we were striving for when we started this whole thing,” she said. “Our whole mission is about making arts accessible to everybody. And when you look in here and you see all the different people and the returning fans of 52 Sumner, it’s really nice.”
at the Springfield Museums
of Orient” — will be in this year’s Holiday Pops program.
“I also love classic popular Christmas music like ‘White Christmas’ and ‘The Christmas Song,’” Waldrop added.
Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, added that Holiday Pops is “one of our most
Florencia Cuenca. (STEPHANI DIANI)
THE NOMINEES ARE IN
‘One Battle After Another’ leads Golden Globe nominations
By JAKE C OyLE
Associated Press
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” scored a leading nine nominations to the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on Monday, adding to the Oscar favorite’s momentum and handing Warner Bros. a victory amid Netflix’s acquisition deal. In nominations announced from Beverly Hills, California, “One Battle After Another” landed nods for its cast — Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn and Chase Infiniti — and for Anderson’s screenplay and direction. It’s competing in the Globes’ category for comedy and musicals. Close on its heels was Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” a Norwegian family drama about a filmmaking family. The Neon release’s eight nominations included nods for four of its actors: Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning and Inga
Ibsdotter Lilleaas.
The Globe nominations, a tattered but persistent rite in Hollywood, are coming on the heels of the a potentially seismic shift in entertainment as Netflix strikes a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $72 billion. If approved, the deal would reshape Hollywood and put one of its most storied movie studios in the hands of the streaming giant.
Warner Bros., Netflix and the Golden Globes
Both companies are prominent in this year’s awards season. Along with “One Battle After Another,” Warner Bros. has “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed vampire hit. It was nominated for seven awards by the Globes, including box office achievement, best actor for Michael B. Jordan and Coogler for best director.
Netflix’s contenders include Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly”
(which landed nods for George Clooney and Adam Sandler), Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” (five nominations) and the streaming smash hit, “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Arguably the most-watched movie of the year, the three nominations for “KPop De-
mon Hunters” included one for cinematic and box office achievement — an oddity for Netflix, which typically gives its films only small, limited theatrical runs but found a No. 1 box office weekend in singalong screenings for the animated film.
The two studios led all others in nominations across film and television. Netflix landed 35 nominations, boosted by its expansive film slate and television nominees like the British limited series “Adolescence” (five nominations). Warner
SEE NOMINEES, PAGE D11
Clockwise from top left: Zoey, from left, Rumi and Mira in a scene from “KPop Demon Hunters”; Leonardo DiCaprio in a scene from “One Battle After Another”; and Michael B. Jordan plays twins Smoke and Stack in “Sinners.” All three films are nominated for Golden Globe awards in the 2026 ceremony.
Consider doing your holiday shopping at local breweries
IT’S THAT TIME OF year again where folks might be looking for a gift to please the beer aficionado in their world, so today we’ll engage in the annual tradition of providing you with some ideas.
This year, however, I’m focusing solely on local items that you can get at your nearby Western Massachusetts brewery or brewpub. There is plenty of overlap in the types of merchandise but enough diversity to give you a cornucopia of choices. And I’ll try to highlight a few of my personal favorites as we go along. But please note that not all the items mentioned below might still be available, so if you plan on going to the brewery itself, please call first.
Let’s start with the area’s oldest brewery, the
Northampton Brewery, which is now in its 38th year. My favorite item in their lineup is the same as most other breweries — a gift card so I can buy beer — but the venue’s T-shirt is a classic that always seems popular. Featuring their “Peace, Love & Beer” artwork, the shirts are on display on the backs of all the employees, so it’s easy to check them out.
Another one of the oldest breweries is Berkshire Brewing in South Deerfield. BBC has a nice array of T-shirts, hats, hoodies and glassware, but my favorite items are the plaid flannel shirts with the brewery’s logo. They’re not only classic, but perfect for New England winters. Of course, Berkshire’s neighbor down the road, Tree House Brewing, has
a plethora of merchandise, from all sorts of hats, shirts and gorgeous glassware. But for something different, I’d check out their cooler bag or backpack, or their slate coaster set with their logo.
Over in Easthampton, New City Brewery also features a wide array of gift possibilities. Along with the usual lineup of clothing, they have two items that always grab my eye: a sleek logo pilsner glass and, fitting with the season, a Ginger Beer (their flagship brew) Christmas tree ornament. (New parents might also want to check out their logo baby onesie.)
Next door at Easthampton’s Abandoned Building Brewery is plenty of gift goodies, but one item
particularly caught my eye. As regular readers know, if there’s one thing in the world I love more than beer, it’s dogs. So, the brewery’s dog bandana gets my vote. (Cycling enthusiasts might want to check out their bike jerseys, however.)
Vanished Valley Brewing in
Ludlow also has an assortment of clothing items, but if you’re looking for something special and a little more expensive, check out their custom cornhole board set. And while Bright Ideas Brewing in Westfield also offers great flannel shirts like Abandoned Building does, my recommendation for a gift would be their “Köld” glass — a Stange-type glass for serving Kölsch beer in a classic manner.
And if your favorite brewery isn’t listed here, you can give them a call to see if they have any special merchandise available. Or, as I said above, a gift card is almost always a welcome present to any beer lover.
Happy holidays!
Clockwise from top left: Berkshire Brewing Company in South Deerfield; Tree House Brewing Company in Charlton; Vanished Valley Brewing Company in Ludlow, and New City Brewery in Easthampton are just a sampling of the local breweries selling gifts to get the beer aficionado in your life this holiday season.
(FILE PHOTOS)
George Lenker Beer Nut
THURSDAY
Bright Nights at Forest Park
2025: Thu.-Sun., Forest Park. The lights will be lit through Sun., Jan. 4. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.; Sun. 5-9 p.m. Holidays: 5-10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at Big Y, Your Family Market. For more information, registration or for tickets, visit brightnights.org. Sumner Avenue, Springfield. LAVA Film Night: Greening Greenfield Presents “The Social Dilemma”: Thu., 5:45 p.m. LAVA Center. 324 Main St., Greenfield.
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield, For complete information about hours and admission for the ice rink, visit www.mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
Reclaiming Folk - Free Concert: Thu., 6 p.m. Forbes Library, The event will feature original music and cover songs from Anand Nayak, Pamela Means, and Naomi Westwater. Free and open to the public. 20 West St., Northampton; 413-587-1011 or forbeslibrary.org.
Springfield Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees: MassMutual Center. Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Santa’s hours are Fri.- Sun. noon–4 p.m. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, and free for children 12 and under, active military, veterans, first responders and their families. 1277 Main St., Springfield. 413-787-6600 or www. massmutualcenter.com.
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl: Thu, 5:30-10 p.m. MGM Springfield, Once you check in at MGM’s Lobby Bar, Santa hits the streets. This year’s stops include White Lion Brewing, Theodores BBQ, Mamou or the Student Prince, late-night finale at TAP Sports Bar at MGM. If you don’t want to walk, snag a Double Decker Pass. Free parking at MGM Springfied. For tickets, search “SantaCon” on Eventbrite. Tickets start at $17.85. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
Writer’s Out Loud Open Mic Evening: Thu., 7 p.m. Westfield Creative Arts. A free, low-pressure DecemberFest open mic night welcoming all who love prose and poetry. Authors, poets and writers of every skill level are invited to share a 3-5-minute piece. This month’s suggested theme is “Holidays”. Sign up on a first-come basis. Beverages will be available. 105 Elm St., Westfield. 413-579-5967 or www.westfieldcreativearts.com.
FRIDAY
Bright Nights at Forest Park 2025:
Christmas by Candlelight
The Christmas Tree Trail, pictured above, is just one of the many offerings during Old Sturbridge Village's holiday-time Christmas by Candlelight event. The event, which runs from 2-8 p.m. on select nights through Dec. 30, offers live acoustic music, horse-drawn carriage rides, baking over crackling wood fires, and visits with Santa Claus. Costumed historians throughout the village will also share how New Englanders celebrated the holidays in the early 19th century. A tree-lighting ceremony is held each night at 4:30 p.m. Christmas by Candlelight runs on select dates, including Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-23, and Dec. 27-30. Tickets to Christmas by Candlelight can be purchased on Old Sturbridge Village's website, osv.org. (PHOTO COURTESY OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE)
See Thursday listing The Feast — A Devised Multi-Media Performance: Fri.-Sat, 7 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, Doors open 6:30 p.m., 43 Main St., Easthampton.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” — A Live Radio Play: Fri.-Sat., 5:30 p.m. Blue Heron Restaurant. Valley Players present “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” as a dinner-theater production at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland. Tickets are on a pay-what-you-can scale and half of net performance ticket revenue donated to the affordable housing nonprofit Way Finders. During the show, Valley Players will also be holding a food drive for the Amherst Survival Center at the show. Ticket includes a gourmet three-course meal, with choice of entree, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Reservations required, $85. 112 North Main St., Sunderland; 413-665-2102.
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
“The Nutcracker”: Fri, 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun, 1 and 4:30 p.m. Academy of Music Theatre. Join
Clara as she battles the Rat King to save the Nutcracker Prince, then travels to the enchanted snow forest and the Kingdom of Sweets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, “The Nutcracker” features community dancers from across Western Mass. along with Pioneer Valley Ballet dancers and professional guest artists from Carolina Ballet. Tickets available through the Academy of Music Box Office, $36 - $52. 274 Main St., Northampton; 413-584-9032 or www.aomtheatre.com.
Open Mic: Fri, 6:30 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, monthly open mic evening. Sign up starting at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to pick up dinner next door at the Williamsburg Market and enjoy it at Tangle. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
Springfield Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing Victorian Candlelight Tours: Fri, 6 and 8 p.m. Stone House Museum, Tours will be led by interpreters wearing traditional Victorian dress. The house will be filled with garlands, candlelight, music, craft activities and the smells of homemade treats. Reservations
413-579-5967 or www.westfieldcreativearts.com.
The Feast — A Devised Multi-Media Performance: See Friday listing
Holiday Pops! with the PVS: Sat., 4 p.m. Greenfield High School, Sliding scale $20-$40. 21 Barr Ave., Greenfield.
Holiday Sing Along: Sat, 10:30 a.m.-noon Forbes Library, Bring your voice, friends, and optional musical instruments to sing and play along to holiday favorites in the Coolidge Museum at Forbes Library. This event is family friendly (ages 5+). Hosted by Forbes Library’s Ukulele Strum Group, donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit the Northampton Survival Center. Free and open to all. 20 West Street, Northampton. 413-587-1011 or www.forbeslibrary.org.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” — A Live Radio Play: See Friday listing MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
“The Nutcracker”: See Friday listing
are needed. For ticket information call 413-230-2022 or visit stonehousemuseum.org, 20 Maple St., Belchertown.
Welcome Yule — A Midwinter Celebration: Fri.-Sun., Shea Theater. Music, dance, songs and stories to drive the dark away. Tickets range from $5-$20. 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls; 413-863-2281 or www. theshea.org.
SATURDAY
Bright Nights at Forest Park 2025: See Thursday listing ”A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickents: Sat., 1:30-3 p.m. 52 Sumner. $18 - $25. 52 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
Decemberfest 2025: Sat, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Westfield Creative Arts, The North Pole Toy Shop. Amidst the twinkling lights of WOW’s “Winter Wonderland” exhibit/installation, participants are able to take photos with Santa and Mrs Claus; have a cocoa and holiday treats; create a holiday card and craft and perhaps meet a famous Toy or three, Admission is Free. 105 Elm St., Westfield.
PHCC Annual Christmas Tree & Wreath Festival: Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Palmer Historical Cultural Center. Stop by during the festival to purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win a decorated tree or festive wreath — each one handcrafted by individuals, businesses, and community groups. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event: $1 each or $5 for 10 tickets. Plus, bring a new and unwrapped toys to donate to the Lions Club of Palmer Toy Drive and receive a free raffle ticket (for each donated toy). Admission is free. 2072 Main St., Three Rivers. Singalong at Tangle Chocolate!: Sat, 2:30 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge, instruments welcome. Led by someone who knows what they’re doing, so you don’t have to, free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
Springfield Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing Welcome Yule — A Midwinter Celebration: See Friday listing Yuletide Lantern Light Evening: Sat, 6-8 p.m. Storrowton Village Museum, Bundle up and bring your friends and family to the Yuletide Lantern Light Evening. Listen to the musical storytelling of Stan Svec in the Union Meeting House and stop by Potter Mansion for decorate your own holiday treat kits. The Shops at Storrowton will be open and wagon rides from Storrowton to the Farmers Market will also be available. Event admission is $12 per person, and free for
Calendar
those under 6. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, or www.thebige. com.
SUNDAY
Bright Nights at Forest Park 2025: See Thursday listing
Decemberfest Craft Workshops: Sun, 2-6 p.m. Westfield Creative Arts, a holiday stained-glass workshoppresented by artisan Chris Lyons of Glass Visions of Springfield. Participants will leave with their own stained glass suncatcher. Registration fees for the stainedglass workshop include the materials needed. For registrations and more information, call the Center at 413-579-5967 or visit the Westfield Creative Arts’ Center classes page online, $65. 105 Elm St., Westfield. 413-579-5967 or www.westfieldcreativearts.com.
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
Novi Cantori presents “The Road Home”: Sun, 2 p.m. First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St., Westfield.
“The Nutcracker”: See Friday listing
PHCC Annual Christmas Tree & Wreath Festival: See Saturday listing
Springfield Boys & Girls Club Festival of Trees: See Thursday listing Sunday Live Music: Sun., 2 p.m. Tangle Chocolate Lounge. Come and enjoy the local musicians as they serenade you for two hours every Sunday at Tangle Chocolate. The line-up includes Martha Grinnell, Louise Coombe, Matt Emmer, The Lonesome Brothers, Don Chiulli, Stephen Katz, Luke Deroy and many more. Free. 5 Main St. Route 9, Williamsburg.
Welcome Yule — A Midwinter Celebration: See Friday listing West Springfield Coin Club Meeting: Sun., 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church. A presentation and discussion will include facts about the first U.S. small cent, also known as the Flying Eagle cent. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For more information, contact Peter Setian at 413-596-9871. 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: “Season’s Greetings,” Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Join for holiday family fun in the galleries.
In addition to the Grinch’s Grotto
'The Nutcracker'
The classic holiday ballet "The Nutcracker" is taking center stage at the Academy of Music in Northampton from Dec. 12 to 14. This year's production marks Pioneer Valley Ballet's 46th year of performing "The Nutcracker" at the Academy of Music. Under the direction of co-artistic directors Maryanne Kodzis and Thomas Vacanti, Pioneer Valley Ballet’s “Nutcracker includes” over 150 dancers from towns throughout Western Massachusetts. Playing roles ranging from enchanting snowflakes to the tiniest reindeer, they help tell the classic tale of young Clara as she battles the Rat King to save the Nutcracker Prince, then journeys to the enchanted Snow Forest and beautiful Kingdom of Sweets. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12 at 4 and 7:30p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 and 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $30-$45 plus Academy service fees. Tickets to “The Nutcracker” can be purchased directly from the Academy of Music Theatre Box Office online at www.aomtheatre.com, in person at 274 Main St. in downtown Northampton, or by phone at 413-584-9032, ext. 105.
and Jurassic Gingerbread, meet St. Nick and enjoy hands-on activities. Free with museum admission.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Meet the Grinch in the Grinch’s Grotto,” Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Step into the Grinch’s Grotto to meet the Grinch himself. Visit with Mt. Crumpit’s most famous resident, snap a few photos, and explore a winter wonderland of holiday spirit. Please note: Because he needs his beauty rest, the Grinch will take a short break every 40 minutes.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Museum a la Carte,” Dec. 11, 12:15 p.m. “Polish Christmas Decorations: Design, History and Meaning.” Cost is $4, or free for members. Presented by Susan Urban, artist.
Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-
Museums
Eric Carle Museum of Picture
Book Art: “The Art of Grace Lin: Meeting A Friend in an Unexpected Place,” through Jan. 4. Included with general admission. “Cooking with Eric Carle,” through Aug. 23, 2026. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or www.carlemuseum.org
Historic Deerfield: Winter season hours: Sat.-Sun., through Jan. 4, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Historic houses are closed for the winter, with the exception of private/group tours. “Winter Frolic 2025,” Dec. 13, noon-4 p.m. at Hall Tavern. $7 for adults, youth 17 and under free, 80 Old Main St., Deerfield or www. historic-deerfield.org.
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art: Permanent exhibit, “A Coin in the Corner” by Micah Lexier; “Clocktower Project” by Christina Kubisch; “Allovers”; “Looking at North Adams” by Joe Manning; “Tree Logic” by Natalie Jeremijenko; and more. $20 adults; $18 seniors and veterans; $12 students with ID; $8 kids (6–16). Tickets must be purchased in advance. 87 Marshall St., North Adams or www.massmoca.org.
Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs. and Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or www.amherst.edu.
character step by step and shape by shape — no drawing experience required. Free with admission. “You are a ‘Work in Progress’: Discover your Creative Potential,” Dec. 13, 2 p.m. Free with museum admission. Space is limited; reservations required. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or www.nrm.org.
Old Sturbridge Village: “Christmas By Candlelight,” Dec. 12-14, 19-23, and 27-30, 2-8 p.m. Route 20, Sturbridge or www.osv.org
Smith College Museum of Art: SCMA Exhibition - Garrett Bradley: “AKA” (2019), through Feb. 1. SCMA Exhibition “A City in Flux: Reflecting on Venice,” through March 22. “Michel Kameni: Portraits of an Independent Africa,” through Jan. 4. SCMA Exhibition “Crafting Worlds,” through Aug. 23. This installation explores how artisans in Japan utilized materials and handcrafted techniques to forge social relationships and engage with the world around them.
“SCMA Second Fridays,” Dec. 12, 4–8 p.m., an after-hours program featuring hands-on art making, gallery talks, refreshments, and extended evening hours. Admission is free — no registration required. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or www.scma. smith.edu.
art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit. The live animal center has been reopened as “Living Waters: From Oceans to Valleys”.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstfloor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia.
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
New England Air Museum: Santa Claus is coming to NEAM, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Take a photo with Santa; make airplane ornaments; take home reindeer food; and partake in more festive fun. Pets are welcome from 12:30–2 p.m., but all pets must be leashed or in a cage to ensure everyone’s safety. 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks or www.neam.org.
Norman Rockwell Museum: “Jazz Age Illustration,” through April 6. “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays,” through Feb. 22. Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom,” $5 fee to access. “Shine A Light: The Art and Life of Deb Koffman,” through June 7. “Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection,” through Jan. 4. “Artist Workshop with Louis Henry Mitchell,” Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet the creative director of character design at Sesame Workshop (the nonprofit that brings you “Sesame Street”). Free with Museum Admission. “Second Saturdays at NRM,” Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m. A day of family programming inspired by illustration art. This month will explore how to design your own
The New England Visionary Artists Museum: The New England Visionary Artists Museum has five exhibition showrooms hosting N.E. artists’ work in all media and is home to Anchor House of Artists, the region’s subsidized studio and representation support to artists living with neurodiverse conditions. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 2-6 p.m., with regular free public receptions on the second Friday of the month, from 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit NEVA-museum.org or call 413-588-4337—$10 suggested day admission donation asked at the door. Pleasant St., Northampton
Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Open Tues.-Sun, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to close. $8 adults; $5 seniors 65 and older; $5 students, active and retired military; and free for children 12 and under. Group rates also available online. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or www.volleyhall.org. Yiddish Book Center: Permanent exhibit, “A Velt mit veltelekh: The Worlds of Jewish Culture.” The center will be open to the public on Thurs, Fri, Sun, and Mon. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Shabbos (Saturday) and Jewish and legal holidays. $8 adults, $6 seniors, free for members, students and children, 1021 West St., Amherst or www.yiddishbookcenter.org.
NORTHAMPTON
Nominees
Bros. had 31 nominations, including 15 from HBO Max for series such as “The White Lotus,” the lead TV nominee with six.
The proposed deal for Warner Bros. has stoked concern throughout the industry that Netflix might devote one of the most theatrical-focused studios to streaming. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has pledged a theatrical commitment to many Warner releases, but the leading trade group for exhibitors has called the deal “an unprecedented threat.”
On Sunday, President Donald Trump said the market share created by the merger “could be a problem,” and Paramount said Monday it was mounting a hostile bid for Warner Bros.
Neon shines on a bad day for ‘Wicked: For Good’
Yet the studio that triumphed on the movie side of the Globe nominations was Neon. The indie specialty film company has emerged as a dominant force in international releases, winning a string of Palme d’Or awards at the Cannes Film Festival. It earned 21 nominations Monday, including five of the six international film nominees.
Some of those nominations came at the expense of some high-profile studio films.
“Wicked: For Good” was nominated for five awards, including two nods for its songs and acting nominations for Cynthia
Erivo and Ariana Grande. But it was overlooked for an award it was presumed to be in contention for: best comedy or musical.
The nominees instead were “One Battle After Another,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia,” Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” Park Chan-wook’s “No Other Choice” (a Neon release) and a pair of Richard Linklater movies in “Blue Moon” and “Nouvelle Vague.”
In the drama category, Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” scored six nominations, including nods for its stars, Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. It was nominated for best film, drama, along with “Frankenstein” and three Neon titles: “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value” and “It Was Just an Accident.”
Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident,” the acclaimed Iranian revenge drama, was nominated for a total of four
awards. At different times, Panahi has often been imprisoned, put under house arrest and prohibited from leaving Iran by the Islamic Republic while making films over the past two decades. Earlier this month, while traveling outside of Iran with the film, he was sentenced to a year in prison and a new two-year travel ban.
Podcasters and A-listers mingle
As the Globes continue to transition out of their scandal-plagued past, there’s one notable change this year. For the first time, the Globes are giving a best podcast trophy. The inaugural nominees are “Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang With Amy Poehler,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “SmartLess” and NPR’s “Up First.”
Many of those nominees
“Wicked: For Good” was nominated for five awards, including two nods for its songs and acting nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. But it was overlooked for an award it was presumed to be in contention for: best comedy or musical.
aren’t exactly outsiders to Hollywood. But they’ll mingle with a wide array of stars that the Globes, long known for packing their red carpet with A-listers, were sure to nominate.
Those include Timothee Chalamet, nominated for his performance in “Marty Supreme,” Jennifer Lawrence (“Die My Love”), Julia Roberts (“After the Hunt”), Tessa Thompson (“Hedda”), Jeremy Allen White (“Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere”), Emma Stone (“Bugonia”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”) and the two stars of “The
Smashing Machine,” Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
Nikki Glaser is returning as host to the Jan. 11 Globes, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. This past January, Glaser won good reviews for her first time emceeing the ceremony. Ratings were essentially unchanged, slightly dipping to 9.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen, from 9.4 million in 2024.
Helen Mirren will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award in a separate prime-time special airing Jan. 8. Sarah Jessica Parker will be honored with the Carol Burnett Award.
D6
cherished traditions.”
“You will still hear ‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘Silent Night,’ and the sing-along that makes Symphony Hall feel like family. But traditions only stay alive when they grow with us. Our community is rich, diverse, and full of stories, and our holiday concert, just like this entire season, is the perfect place to celebrate,” Caisse-Roberts said.
“Because at its core, this isn’t
just about programming, it’s about building an orchestra that reflects the community it serves. When we honor our past and invite new voices into the story, the music becomes bigger than any one tradition. It becomes a place where everyone belongs. That’s the future we’re shaping at the SSO. We hope the community will join us,” she added.
Waldrop also spoke of the importance of conducting this year’s Holiday Pops concert with a Latin twist.
“We really wanted to highlight the vibrant Latin commu-
nity of Springfield by welcoming an incredible guest artist, Florencia Cuenca, who will sing some original songs as well as traditional carols sung in Spanish. I know the audience is going to love her,” he said, adding that the Springfield Symphony Chorus will also perform Spanish carols from Catalonia, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
Tickets for the concert are on sale, starting at $25, on the SSO website, Springfield Symphony.org, or by calling the Box Office at 413-7332291.
Ariana Grande is Glinda, left, and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in “Wicked: For Good.” (GILES KEYTE / UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in “Hamnet.” (FOCUS FEATURES / ENTERTAINMENT PICTURES / ZUMA PRESS / TNS)
Nightclubs
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D4
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub: Kilashandra. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive.com/myevent
ing the birth of Jesus Christ,” she added.
that people love to sing at this time of the year,” said Brooks-Thompson about just a few of the songs that will be packed into a two-hour concert that also features her band and six background singers.
Christmas carols are meant to share the gospel and proclaim the birth of Jesus, Brooks-Thompson said.
“As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I believe that Christmas is a time of year we set aside to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ. And with that as the main focus,
Brooks-Thompson is an independent recording artist who gained widespread recognition as a finalist on Season 3 of NBC’s “The Voice.” In 2017, she earned the title of Grand Champion at the renowned amateur night competition at the Apollo in New York, winning $20,000, in addition to clinching victories in over 21 vocal competitions.
She has performed at various concert venues, sporting events, private gatherings, and notable national television programs. She has shared the stage with both Grammy and Stellar
Tickets for “A Gospel Christmas” are priced at $30 and $28 and are available online at majestictheater.com.
I love singing carols and gospel music and bringing the story of His birth and its meaning to life. We can sing carols of Christ’s birth, but there is so much more to His birth that is now incorporated into the gospel songs we sing,” she said.
“And for those who are not believers, and who want to know who Jesus is, music is such a great way to reach people, especially gospel music ... anything that is uplifting and inspiring that penetrate the heart and soul, gospel music does that without a doubt. So being able to pause during this time when everyone is shopping and planning to get together with family, it allows me as an artist, worship leader, and believer to have everyone pause for a moment and refocus on what is the meaning of Christmas to acknowledge and recogniz -
Award-winning artists from the gospel and secular music scenes. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence have enchanted audiences, particularly through her heartfelt renditions of the National Anthem and “God Bless America,” which she has performed at many major sporting events across the NBA, NFL, and NHL.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Brooks-Thompson is an active member of the Grammy Recording Academy, the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy, and the Gospel Music Association. She is a devoted wife and mother of three who live in Springfield and is the founder and director of the nonprofit Heart of the Earth.
Tickets for “A Gospel Christmas” are priced at $30 and $28 and are available online at majestictheater. com.
We offer a wide variety of gift baskets for any situation and recipient!
In addition to our beautiful gift baskets Frigo’s now introduces Frigo’s gift boxes, with the finest selection of cheeses, wines, imported pastas, olive oils, meats, aged balsamic vinegars and so much more. We make each box to order using the best products of the season.
