Marietta, Ga. (October 3, 2013) —This December, The Earl Smith Strand pulls out all the stops to give Marietta the gift of holiday cheer! With movies, concerts, and a magical holiday revue, December will be full of holiday events for the whole family to enjoy. Details for The Strand’s month of holiday happenings are below.
Winter Wonderland in The Strand
Month of December
This winter, Strand patrons will be in for a treat not often seen in Georgia winters – a white Christmas. The Strand will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland under the direction of designer Cassandra Buckalew. Patrons will be given the opportunity to be transported to a land of snow, lights, and holiday cheer all month long, just by stepping into the lobby of The Strand. Before shows and events, the theatre will be open for patrons to enjoy a dazzling array of delightful decorations.
A Christmas Tradition
December 6th-22nd
During the first three weekends of December, The Strand will produce its biggest and most elaborate show yet, A Christmas Tradition. This song and dance revue will show off The Strand’s awe inspiring sets and effects like has never been seen before, as well as the diva voices and high energy dances that Strand patrons have come to know and love. Songs spotlighted include Christmas and holiday classics like White Christmas, Santa Baby, and All I Want for Christmas Is You, as well as funky favorites like Leroy the Redneck Reindeer, Feliz Navidad, and Run, Rudolph Run. A Christmas Tradition is guaranteed to make the entire family dance, clap, and enjoy the spirit of the holidays – from Santa loving six year olds to out of town in-laws.
A Christmas Tradition will feature a pre-show holiday sing along with Ron Carter on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ. The organ pre-show will begin half an hour before showtime.
Show Dates:
Week 1: Friday, Dec. 6 @ 8pm; Saturday, Dec. 7 @ 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 8 @ 3pm
Week 2: Thursday, Dec. 12 @ 8pm; Friday, Dec 13 @ 8pm; Saturday Dec. 14 @ 3pm; Saturday Dec. 14 @ 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 15 @3pm
Week 3: Thursday, Dec. 19 @ 8pm; Friday, Dec. 20 @ 8pm; Saturday, Dec. 21 @ 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 22 @ 3pm
Tickets for A Christmas Tradition are on sale now. Seating is assigned, and tickets are $25. Special pricing for groups and children is available online and through the box office at 770.293.0080.
Christmas Royal Tea and Grand Yuletide Ball
Saturday afternoons in December
Treat that special starry-eyed child in your life to an afternoon of “RoyalTEA” this holiday season at The Strand. You and your prince or princess will start the evening with Christmas royals Prince Goodtidings and Princess Joy at the The Strand’s fourth floor banquet chamber for High Tea. High Tea will include the juice or tea of your choice and a plate of sweets for the sweet. Afterwards, guests are invited to retire to 2nd floor minstrel’s hall where the Prince and Princess will teach young guests a few simple royal dances at the Grand Yuletide Ball.
Children (and their guests, too!) are encouraged to dress up for the special occasion. Ticket includes a gift bag of goodies for our young guests that includes an autograph book to commemorate the afternoon with Christmas Royalty and new friends. Tickets are $15 for children and adults. Limited space available.
Prince Goodtidings and Princess Joy will begin receiving guests at 12:30pm for the 1:00pm tea. Festivities will end at 2:30pm. This event will be held Saturday December 7, Saturday December 14, and Saturday December 21.
Charlie Brown Christmas Show: Featuring Jeffrey Bützer and T. T. Mahony
Wednesday December 18, 8pm
Jeffrey Bützer and T.T. Mahony present a jazzy musical tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. The show, now an established Atlanta tradition, will be making its way outside the perimeter to a family friendly venue! Bützer and Mahony will be playing the whimsical Christmas songs that Charlie Brown and the gang have made favorites for the holiday season. With a history of sold out shows, don’t wait to get your tickets.
Opening the show will be Bützer’s “regular gig,” Jeffrey Bützer and the Bicycle Eaters, followed by Chad Shivers and the Silent Knights and their Beach Boys Christmas Tribute.
All ages, December 18 at 8pm.Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 the day of show.
Christmas Movies
Miracle on 34th Street (Sunday, December 15th @ 8pm). Miracle on 34th Street is a 1947 Christmas classic starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn. It is the heartwarming story of what takes place in New York City following Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as people are left wondering whether or not a department store Santa might be the real thing. Miracle on 34th Street embodies the true Christmas spirit of love and compassion. Get here half an hour early for a holiday preshow and sing along on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ. Tickets are general admission, $8 for adults and $7 for seniors, students, and military.
It’s a Wonderful Life Marathon (Monday, December 23rd @ 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, & 9pm)Take a break from your last minute holiday shopping and remember the importance of family and compassion with It’s a Wonderful Life. In this true holiday classic, an angel (Henry Travers) helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman (James Stewart) by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. Get here half an hour early for a holiday preshow and sing along on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ. Tickets are general admission, $8 for adults and $7 for seniors, students, and military.
The historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information or tickets, visit www.EarlSmithStrand.org or the Box Office at 770-293-0080 or 117 North Park Square, Marietta, 30060. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and two hours before the show.