Here are the December Fine Arts events at Chattanooga State:
The Nutcracker Christmas Carol
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9 and 16, at 2:30 p.m.
The Chattanooga State Theatre Department presents, The Nutcracker Christmas Carol (book and lyrics by Rex Knowles, music by Sherry Landrum, Allan Leford, and Rex Knowles), a fun-filled, family-friendly musical comedy. This “Christmas classic” (as one reviewer called it) is a lighthearted spoof of all the holiday stories packed into one joyful hour.
Author Rex Knowles explains how the musical came to be. “I asked myself this question: what if I found in the back room of the British Library a first draft of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and within those pages were the seeds of every Christmas story we know today?” So he started writing his first draft of The Nutcracker Christmas Carol. “I started with A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. I had so much fun combining the two that I added snippets from other stories – It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Gift of the Magi, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”
Director and composer Sherry Landrum continues, “We created the piece as a lighthearted spoof and gave Charles Dickens credit for all of it. But as we worked, we realized how much all Christmas stories owe to A Christmas Carol - Dickens’ great story of human transformation and redemption. The theme of Scrooge, the penurious tyrant and his worker Bob Cratchit, the thoroughly good human being, resonates throughout all the stories. The Grinch steals Christmas from Whoville. Mr. Potter takes Bedford Falls from George Bailey. Fred Gailey fights the psychologist, Mr. Shelhamer, to protect the name of Santa Clause. The innocence of childhood in the archetype of Tiny Tim runs through all as well in the characters of Little Cindy-Lou Who, George Bailey’s children, and young Susan Walker. It’s A Wonderful Life even brings in a ghost, Clarence Oddbody, who gives George Bailey the chance to see the future and realize that goodness is its own reward.”
Will Ebenezer Scrooge save the ballet? Will critics acknowledge the genius of Charles Dickens? Will Tiny Tim's dream come true? Will Fritz get a Red Ryder carbine action BB gun? Will Bob Cratchit get to spend Christmas at home? These questions will be answered in one "hilarious, heartfelt hour."
Mr. Knowles, who wrote the book and the lyrics, joined with Ms. Landrum and Allan Ledford to collaborate on the music. Together they created 10 original Christmas songs – ranging in style from the humorous “I’m Gettin’ Everything for Christmas” to the heart-warming “My Christmas Dream.”
Tickets are a $10 donation, with free admission for ChSCC students and faculty with college identification.
Scenes from American Life
Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Theatre scenes with the first year students of the Professional Actor Training Program. Adult content. Directed by Sherry Landrum.
Scenes from the Plays of Anton Chekhov
Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Theatre scenes with the second year students of the Professional Actor Training Program. Directed by Sherry Landrum.
All events are free to the public (except as noted) and are presented at the Chattanooga State Humanities Theatre, 4501 Amnicola Highway. Donations will be accepted at the door.
For further information call the music department at 697-3383 or the theatre department at 697-3246.