Newsroom

Local audiences will have the opportunity to get into the holiday mood with a plethora of December performances at The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg. From classical ballet, to Motown music, to science experiments, to jazz and more—whatever your interests, there’s a show to entertain you. The following performances have been scheduled:

Shadows of the 60s – A Holiday Tribute to Motown, Sunday, December 4, at 2 p.m.; $25 & $35 (Reserved seating)
Kick off the season with the best of two worlds: the hits of the 1960s mixed with favorite holiday carols for a memorable, jolly blast of cheer. This high-energy tribute to Motown’s super groups—The Temptations, The Supremes and The Four Tops—is filled with music, stunning costumes and dazzling choreography. Theatregoers of all ages will enjoy the hits of Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and Junior Walker, along with such holiday tunes as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and “Silent Night,” all done in the Motown style for an unbelievable afternoon of celebration.

In addition, the performance will include a “Show Starter” event from 12:45-1:30 p.m. featuring the dancing pros from Ludo’s Ballroom, Whitehouse. Participants can enjoy a dance lesson featuring some cool ’60s dances, such as swing and cha-cha. The lesson is free, but registration is required. No experience is necessary, and space is limited. To reserve a spot, email Lisa at lisa.melillo@raritanval.edu.

The Great Russian Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet), Friday, December 9, at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.; $40 & $50 (Reserved seating)
Moscow Ballet’s spectacular scenic design, gorgeous costumes and the exquisite artistry of 40 top Russian dancers have made The Great Russian Nutcracker an American holiday tradition not to be missed. This critically acclaimed production entertains with new characters and larger-than-life puppets set against a stunning backdrop. An ethereal Dove, a messenger of peace, leads Masha and the Nutcracker to the peaceful kingdom. Beloved Russian fairytale characters, Father Christmas and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden, add to the whimsical and imaginative storytelling that sets this Nutcracker apart. In addition, 2016 marks the 16th year that RVCCArts has invited the students of Gotta Dance to perform along with the professional dancers of the world-renowned company. Caroline Hidalgo and Gillian Peterson coordinate the auditions and rehearsals for the 95 young dancers from Gotta Dance, which has studios in Martinsville, Warren, Basking Ridge and Branchburg.

The Science of Santa (Doktor Kaboom!), Saturday, December 10, at 7 p.m.; $15 (Recommended for ages 8 and older; general admission seating)
If science and magic are the same thing, then Santa must be the greatest scientist in the world. This notion does not sit well with Doktor Kaboom’s ego, so he tries to figure out how Santa manages to accomplish everything. Not surprisingly, the Doktor fails at his efforts. His supercharged (and super safe) science experiments will have audiences erupting with laughter and bubbling with curiosity.                                                                                                                                                 

A Christmas Carol (Nebraska Theatre Caravan), Sunday, December 11, at 2 p.m.; $40 & $50 (Reserved seating)
This celebrated Charles Jones adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is rich with thrilling ensemble music and alive with color and movement. It tells this great and enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages can enjoy. Woven throughout this classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Wassail,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Away in a Manger,” “Greensleeves,” the “Boar’s Head Carol” and many more. Audiences have come to cherish this sumptuous holiday classic, which features a cast of 24 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes.

The performance also will include a “Show Starter” holiday shopping event from 12:30-2 p.m. (and again at intermission), featuring one-of-a-kind creations hand-crafted by local artisans, including RVCC’s talented fine art faculty members. Items ranging from holiday crafts and beautiful pottery to stunning, hand-painted silk scarves and more will be available in the Theatre lobby pop-up store. It’s perfect for gift-giving.

This Wonderful Life (Jeremy Kendall), Tuesday, December 13, at 2 p.m., $15 (Reserved seating; special matinee pricing); 7 p.m., $20 (Reserved seating)

Beautifully acted by Jeremy Kendall, This Wonderful Life is a one-man play based on the iconic 1946 film, It’s a Wonderful Life. In an amazing display of physical and verbal virtuosity, this exciting new production brings to life over 32 familiar people from Bedford Falls—from the Jimmy Stewart-inspired George Bailey to the entire cast of lovable characters including Clarence the Angel, Mary, Zuzu, and all the townsfolk who rely on George to save them from the greedy Mr. Potter. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched, and how different Bedford Falls would have been if he had never been born. Kendall’s 75-minute tour-de-force is inspiring, funny, poignant and most of all, uplifting.

A Winter Jazz Holiday Concert (David Leonhardt Jazz Trio), Thursday, December 15, noon and 7 p.m. (General admission seating)
The David Leonhardt Jazz Trio delights audiences with classic holiday music with a jazz beat. With a swinging take on seasonal favorites, this internationally acclaimed trio will have you snapping your fingers and tapping your toes. The group’s imaginative, entertaining brand of improvisational jazz and superb musicianship wins raves from audiences and critics alike. After this performance, you may never think of holiday music quite the same way again.

To purchase tickets for any Theatre production or for more information, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Subscribers’ packages are available for all Theatre series. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.


###



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2016

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #53