Holiday in Lights

By Mary Beth Torgerson

For one night only this month, Chattanooga will get a taste of one of New York Citys up-and-coming musical and stage shows, Cirque Dreamz Holidaze.

Its really a celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. There are so many holidays to celebrate from Halloween to New Years with Christmas, Hannukah and Thanksgiving, just set in a winter scene, says Cirque Dreamz Holidaze creator and director Neil Goldberg. It was easy to take 30 incredible performers and outfit them in over 300 costumes and celebrate all these fond memories we have of being a kid enjoying the outdoors and the snow and reliving the memories that used to put a smile on our face as kids like penguins bouncing around, trains on roller skates and angels flying in the air.

The show, which Goldberg describes as a new cirque show, Broadway musical and holiday stage spectacular all in one, will take the Memorial Auditorium stage December 18.

Hopefully everybodys already in the celebratory spirit by then, says Goldberg. If they want to add to that and put a smile on their face, its a great family-friendly show.

Now in its sixth season touring over 40 cities in the United States this year alone, Cirque Dreamz has become so popular, it will be opening in New York next year.

Theres really something in this show for everyone. We scour the globe to find really unusual interesting illusionists, performers who do these incredible and balancing acts, and aerialists who are on stars and sleighs and play reindeer and all kinds of holiday characters, says Goldberg. Its a very, very large production, and were really proud of the fact that we have three tours going out simultaneously this year because the demand has been so popular.

Hopefully well have a great turn-out from the folks in Chattanooga, Goldberg adds. I dont think anyone who sees this show will leave disappointed.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit chattanoogaonstage.com.

Cultural Calendar

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Date: December 5-23

Location: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River Street

Cost: $30

Celebrate the season with the holiday film classic turned stage production, A Christmas Story: The Musical. The show is back by popular demand following its debut at the Chattanooga Theatre Center last year. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrecentre.com.

Ornament Making Class

Date: December 9

Location: Chattanooga Paint and Decorating showroom, 5529 Hixson PikeCost: $25

Chattanooga Paint and Decorating has partnered with decorative painter Meg Lemons to offer a lesson in metallic finishes December 9 from 6-7 p.m. The tuition cost covers a christmas ornament, finish materials, hands-on-instruction and refreshments. Space is limited, so reserve a spot in advance by calling 423-843-9286.

CSO: Home for the Holidays

Date: December 20-21

Location: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad Street

Cost: $21-81

The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera: Home for the Holidays event is a Chattanooga holiday favorite featuring music by talented local performers. The first half of the show includes selections such as Christmas Festival and Farandole and pieces from the Metropolitan Bells. The second half welcomes the Alison Brown on banjoas she presents holiday tunes with a mix of jazz, folk, and bluegrass tones. Fletcher Bright is featured on violin. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit chattanoogasymphony.org.