Thanksgiving, done. Next? For many, the next holiday tradition is the classic ballet, The Nutcracker.
Children in the Arts of Martha’s Vineyard will present the 11th annual Nutcracker Gala at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7.
The Nutcracker Prince’s triumphant battle with the Mouse King? Check.
Darting Snowflakes? Arabian and Spanish dancers? Sugar Plum Fairy? Check, check, check (with sugar on top).
Radio Play Auditions
The Vineyard Playhouse is holding open auditions today, Friday, Nov. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. for the supporting roles in Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life–The Radio Play by Philip Grecian. Auditions are at the playhouse, 24 Church street in Vineyard Haven, for older teens, men and women, plus children ages 11-14. The show runs two weekends from Dec. 12 to 21. For details, call 508-693-6450, extension 18.
Seussian Entertainments
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is playing at the Wang Theatre, and the Edgartown Council on Aging is sponsoring a trip to see Wholhillation in Boston. Enjoy this Broadway spectacular, an Italian family-style lunch at Vinny T’s and shopping time at Copley Place. The trip is set for Dec. 4. The cost is $105 per person for orchestra seating, center stage. Organizers say it is guaranteed to be a great time with lots of surprises, so don’t wait because tickets will sell out. For details, call 508-420-5288
Many Islanders are unaware that Helen Keller often visited Martha’s Vineyard decades ago as the guest of Katharine Cornell. She stayed at Chip Chop on Tashmoo, where, according to a 1968 letter written to former Gazette editor Henry Beetle Hough by Ms. Keller’s nurse-companion Winifred Corbally, she “loved to bathe in the ‘sea.’”
The third annual full-length playwright competition is now open for playwrights on the Cape and Islands. Sponsored by Eventide Arts Inc., the contest will award a $1,000 Kaplan prize to one play selected by the judges. The winning play will have a staged reading next June in West Dennis.
Island Theatre Workshop is celebrating Linda Berg’s achievements as director of the Children’s Theatre program for the past three years and as music director for the 13 preceding years. Festivities will take place at the Sailing Camp on Barnes Road on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 from 2 to 5 p.m.