ARTS & CULTURE
Well, the holiday season befalls our beautiful ‘Burg once again
and it seems each year it arrives even sooner than the year
before, doesn’t it? No worry. The holidays in St. Petersburg
shine bigger and brighter with each passing season leaving no
shortage of wonderful, arty things to do and see. Here are a few
ideas for your sun-soaked holidays in the Sunshine City. Who
needs a white Christmas, anyway? Don’t forget to catch my
podcast, Beauty & The ‘Burg, on the Helium Radio Network at
www.heliumradio.com
BY CINDY STOVALL
On Stage
freeFall Theatre Company goes for the gusto with a unique
Christmas tale. “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is the tale
of a troupe of actors who, in their rebellion of classic holiday
fare, embark on creating a show that embodies stories, songs,
and traditions from the familiar to those celebrated around the
world. In expanding the horizons of the audience, the troupe
discovers, or should I say, rediscovers, their love of seasonal
theater and of holiday celebration. Running Dec. 1-30, this show
is sure to delight young and old alike. freefalltheatre.com
American Stage has a
for Jane Austen fans and
lovers of period pieces.
“Miss Bennett: Christmas
at Pemberly” acts as
a sequel to “Pride and
Prejudice” and is set at
the Georgian era home
of the Newlywed Darcys.
Ready for the twist?
The story focuses on the
life and love of middle
daughter, Mary, tired of
being overshadowed by
the exploits of her sisters.
Being a middle child myself, I totally relate and can’t wait to see
Stage’s LOVE. OUT. LOUD. season is certainly on a roll with
a memorable holiday show, directed by executive artistic
director Stephanie Gularte. It runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 30.
americanstage.org
As I shared last issue, you can still catch “Pinocchio” Nov.
the value of telling the truth in this classic story, set to music
family is welcome to this one-hour performance suitable for all
ages. Also, for the holidays, SPOC presents “Seasonal Sparkle,”
This season’s new program includes excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s
54 StPeteLifeMag.com November/December 2018
“Nutcracker,” a tribute to classic Christmas pops songs, and a
special operatic set inspired by the stars, the moon, and the
heavens. stpeteopera.org
As much as we adore our ‘Burg, lovers of great theater can’t
Stageworks Theatre (and Karla Hartley), for their seasonal
Winter Wonderettes,”
entertaining at the company Christmas party and saving the
holidays (and the party) for everyone when Santa goes missing!
Runs Dec. 7-23. stageworkstheatre.org
Of course, no holiday would be complete without an opportunity
to see Tchaikovsky’s classic “The Nutcracker.” The holiday
favorite is brought to life by St. Petersburg Ballet Company and
a cast of up-and-coming youth Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 at The Palladium.
mypalladium.org
Museum Happenings
First, let me start this segment by reminding you what amazing
holiday gifts can be found in museum stores! Unique and very
memorable items are awaiting your shopping sprees – free of
crushing crowds and Black Friday brawls. And, when you check
out the stores at Dali and Museum of Fine Arts, for example,
you can also get lunch at their cafes, no admission required. Our
newer museums, the James and Imagine museums also have
beautiful arty wares for your gift-giving pleasure.
/www.heliumradio.com
/freefalltheatre.com
/americanstage.org
/StPeteLifeMag.com
/stpeteopera.org
/stageworkstheatre.org
/mypalladium.org