Holiday fun peaks this week and it’s evident in this week’s list of best virtual bets. But we’ve still got some counterprogramming options for those out there who have had their fill of holiday cheer. Keep reading for some suggestions of things to keep you happy and entertained at home this coming week.
A sidewalk St. Nick is put to the test when a little boy needs help finding his way home in John Kendrick Bangs’ “Santa Claus and Little Billee,” the short story featured in the final episode of 4th Wall Theatre Company’s
Holiday Story Time, which premieres tonight, December 24, at 7:30 p.m. on 4th Wall’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Local artist Courtney Lomelo will read the last tale of the filmed storytelling series, and before or after you can catch up on the previous three episodes, with Lomelo, Eboni Bell, Juan Sebastián Cruz and John Raley tackling more stories off-the-beaten-holiday-path by O. Henry, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and Richmal Crompton.
One of the beloved traditions of the holidays is seeing a production of the Nutcracker ballet. In Berks County and the Lehigh Valley, we are fortunate to have several performed every year. This year, however, is a little different, with arts venues closed because of COVID-19 concerns, so ballet companies are getting creative and recording video of their productions so they can present them virtually.
This is the 52nd production of the classic ballet and it is the longest running Nutcracker in the Lehigh Valley. The production features more than 60 professional, pre-professional and student performers.
Guest artists this year are Oksana Maslova as Sugar Plum Fairy and Sterling Baca as her Cavalier. Both are principal dancers with Pennsylvania Ballet of Philadelphia.