Two beloved holiday classics are coming to Governors State University Center for Performing Arts. “A Christmas Carol” will be presented Saturday, December 1, at 11 a.m. On Saturday, December 8, “The Nutcracker,” performed by Salt Creek Ballet, returns to GSU Center for two shows, at 1 and 5 p.m.
Both “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker” are ideal family entertainment, close to home with affordable prices and free parking. GSU Center is committed to presenting the best in live entertainment to local audiences, and that is especially true during the holiday season.
The Center for Performing Arts is located on Governors State University’s main campus in University Park. To purchase tickets for either show, or for further information, contact the GSU Center box office at www.centertickets.net or (708) 235-2222.
“A Christmas Carol,” presented by Theatreworks USA, is a musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ unforgettable story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited miser who believes the holiday season can be summed up in one word – “humbug.” After being visited by three Christmas ghosts, Scrooge is a changed man and vows to dedicate his life to the welfare of others. “A Christmas Carol” captures both the humorous and touching moments of Dickens’ tale with witty dialogue and fresh new songs.
Tickets for “A Christmas Carol” are $12 to $17. The show is approximately one hour in length. Prior to the performance, renowned storyteller Lynne Clayton will share holiday tales and tunes to complement “A Christmas Carol.” Her stories and songs will begin at 10 a.m.
Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” has been a holiday tradition at GSU Center since 1998. The whimsical tale of young Clara and her magical journey is a wonderful production for the entire family. Along the way, Clara encounters waltzing flowers, giant mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, all set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. The Chicago Sun-Times calls the production “…a solid, professional ‘Nutcracker’,” and The Chicago Tribune calls it “a plum performance.” This year’s production of “The Nutcracker” features a cast of 100 dancers, including local children and young adults ages 8 to 17 from the school of the Salt Creek Ballet.
Featured dancers for “The Nutcracker” at GSU Center are Maria Mosina and Alexei Tyukov. Mosina was born in Moscow and graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. She is in her 19th year as a dancer with the Colorado Ballet and is also an active ballet instructor throughout the United States. Tyukov graduated with honors from the Perm State Ballet Academy in Russia and has danced throughout the world, including Canada, Germany, France, and South Korea. He joined the Colorado Ballet as a principal in 2007.
Tickets for “The Nutcracker” are $15 to $50. A free holiday party will take place between the two performances, from approximately 3 to 5 p.m. All audience members are welcome to attend. Santa will make an appearance – bring your own camera – and various costumed performers from the show will attend and mingle with audience members. Holiday treats and beverages will be available for purchase.
GSU Center’s box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to performances. Multibuy/Megabuy packages are available for shows at the theater. Choose any three or four shows and receive the Multibuyer discount; choose any five or more shows and receive the Megabuy discount. In addition to big savings, package holders receive ticket exchange privileges with 72 hour notice or more, priority seating, and more. Packages are available for purchase through the box office only and are not currently available online.
GSU Center is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois.
