Holiday Cheer at the Theater
community theater productions can help your family make holiday memories
Community, cheer, holiday magic, and family – what more could we ask for as the weather turns cold and Christmas approaches? Local theater troupes are preparing to deliver on those expectations with seasonal performances in Eau Claire and Menomonie. Families can experience the magic of the stage together mid-November through December with these community-created shows.
Elf: The Musical
(Eau Claire Children’s Theatre)
Buddy was raised as an elf – so when Santa Claus informs him that he is actually a human who mistakenly ended up at the Christmas workshop as a child, it comes as quite a shock. Under advisement from old Saint Nick himself, Buddy travels to New York City to find his father, where he works to teach his birth family about the true meaning of Christmas. Dustin Haugle stars as Buddy in this hysterical holiday romp.
This production will take place in the RCU Theatre at the Pablo Center Friday, and Saturday Nov. 15-16 at 7:30pm with matinees at 1:30pm on Nov. 16 and 17. Tickets are available at pablocenter.org.
It’s a Wonderful Life
(Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild)
Based on the heartwarming movie by Frank Capra, this is the story of George Bailey’s lowest low. After a lifetime dedicated to his community, the bank Bailey owns is under threat of ruin, and he finds himself peering over the railing of a bridge, wondering if he is worth more to his family dead than alive. Guardian angel Clarence Odbody comes to the rescue, showing Bailey how much he means to the people he has served throughout his life.
Performances run 7:30pm on Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, with matinees 1:30pm on Dec. 8 and 15. It’s a Wonderful Life will be staged at the Grand Theatre, 102 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire. Grab tickets at pablocenter.org.
The Snow Queen
(Menomonie Theater Guild)
Gerda and Kai are best friends, until one day a wind blows a shard of a cursed mirror into Kai’s heart, making him cruel and careless. He is taken by the evil snow queen, and while their village thinks he has died, Gerda is determined to find and rescue him. It’s a fantastical tale full of magic, and it will be performed at the historic Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie.
The show runs Dec. 6-7 and 13-14 at 7:30pm and Dec. 7, 14, and 15 at 2pm. Buy tickets by emailing mtgtickets@gmail.com or by calling (715) 231-7529 from 1-5pm Tuesday-Friday.
