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The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg has a wonderful selection of holiday favorites in December featuring comedy, classical ballet, bluegrass and jazz music, theatrical performances, and even a special tea party. The following shows will be offered:

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), Reduced Shakespeare Company, Saturday, December 2, at 8 p.m.; $25 & $35

Welcome to the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church, where all faiths are welcome because people will believe anything. But there’s a problem: None of the acts scheduled to perform has arrived, so the three crazy guys of the Reduced Shakespeare Company are pressed into service to perform the entire Variety Show and Christmas Pageant by themselves. An irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays, The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) is festive, funny, family fun as these Three Wise Guys send-up and celebrate everyone’s favorite winter holiday traditions.

Christmas With The Annie Moses Band, Sunday, December 3, at 2 p.m.

From the spirited renditions of “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” and “Deck the Halls” to the breathtaking beauty of “O Holy Night,” the Annie Moses Band’s unique combination of chamber strings, soaring vocals and infectious rhythms transform everyone’s favorite holiday songs into pure excitement. These virtuoso musicians combine the best of beloved genres in a style that unifies audiences of all ages, classical connoisseurs and roots enthusiasts, jazz aficionados and bluegrass buffs.

Live from WVL Radio Theatre: It’s a Wonderful Life, Tuesday, December 5, at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; 2 p.m. performance, $15 (special matinee pricing); 7 p.m. performance, $20
It’s Christmas Eve in 1945, and only a handful of WVL Radio’s actors have braved the blizzard to perform that evening’s broadcast of It’s a Wonderful Life and keep the station afloat. A small but intrepid band of employees masterfully conquers multiple characters and creates sound effects using everyday household items, and saves the radio station from a winter blizzard’s doom. This clever 1940s radio-style stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s heartwarming film classic breathes new life into the poignant story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls, a tale that remains as fresh and relevant as ever.

The Great Russian Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet), Friday, December 8, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $40 & $50

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 features 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. As is the custom, the students of Gotta Dance will 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 production will be enhanced by a special Nutcracker Tea Party event, Friday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m., in the RVCC Conference Center (Room A). Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for children. This unique holiday event, perfect for children and their families, will be held between performances of The Great Russian Nutcracker. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous assortment of home-baked sweet treats, seasonal tea and homemade hot cocoa. And, as an extra-special treat, each child can have his or her picture taken with a Moscow Ballet ballerina—a special keepsake from an unforgettable evening. The photo is included in the ticket price. The event is recommended for children age four and older.

A Christmas Carol (Nebraska Theatre Caravan), Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m.; $40 & $50

This Broadway-style adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is rich with thrilling ensemble music, color and movement. The production has been created to tell this great and enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages can enjoy. Beautiful new renditions of holiday songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Wassail Wassail,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Away in a Manger,” “Greensleeves” and many more are woven throughout the classic tale. This touring show, which features a cast of 24 performers, live musicians and lavish scenery and costumes, has been seen by more than three million audience members.

The performance will include a “Show Starter” holiday shopping event. Beginning at 12:30, the Theatre’s pop-up store will feature craft vendors and artisans offering a variety of unique and handcrafted gift items.

To purchase tickets for any of December’s offerings at the Theatre, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Subscribers’ packages are available for most Theatre series. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.

Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2017

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

PR #48