“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

These words are said by a character at the end of Hans Christian Andersen’s winter fairy tale, The Snow Queen.  The Snow Queen is being performed by Fort Wayne Youtheatre as part of the holiday events.

Perhaps the grandmother who reads these words wants to remind the other characters and the audience about the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of a child. There’s no better time to do so than at Christmas.

The plot focuses on two children, Kai and Gerda, who discover the power of good verses evil. With some similarities in plot and story line as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Snow Queen has children being kidnapped, taken to strange lands, and then rescued by the attributes of bravery and love.

The story was first published in 1845, but it has not lost its poignancy. Who doesn’t like to see a story of children helping each other through difficulties to triumph at the end?

Throughout the year, the Arts United Center where the Youtheatre performances are held is also home to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Fort Wayne Ballet, Dance Collective, and Civic Theatre.

Christmas is a busy time of year, but if there is a child in your life, this show with strong male and female leads may be one of the most memorable family events you could do together.

Fort Wayne Youtheatre : The Snow Queen
Friday,  December 14 at 7:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday,  December 15 & 16 at 2:00 pm

Adults $15
Child $10 for child/student 18 & younger
Special rate for groups of 10 or more $7

Fort Wayne Youtheatre
Arts United Center
303 E. Main Street
260.422.6900

http://www.artsunited.org/the-arts-campus/au-center/

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If decorating your Christmas tree this holiday season gets to be too much of a hassle, get inspired by purchasing a ticket at the Embassy Theatre on December 5. At the historic, gorgeous Embassy you can see what REAL ornaments do after everyone in the household has gone to bed.

This modern-day rendition of The Nutcracker has beautiful scenes of toys that come to life—but this is no traditional show. While some might enjoy watching battles between toy soldiers and mice under the decorated Christmas tree, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE has a life all its own.

In CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dozens of Christmas-dressed characters — gingerbread men, penguins, snowmen, puppets and reindeer — perform astounding tricks of strength and coordination on high wires, bicycles and other moving objects. Those who have seen Cirque du Soleil and other Cirque shows will recognize and appreciate all over again the type of feats that have made the Cirque shows a household name around the world.

Even if you can’t decorate your house to celebrate the holiday season with such aplomb, you can enjoy the CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE show filled with imagination, holiday music and whimsical dreams.

You may never look at a Nutcracker the same way again.

Tickets on sale now at the Embassy box office, all other Ticketmaster locations and at www.Ticketmaster.com: MAIN FLOOR SEATING $25.00 – US $55.00 (fees may apply).

Box Office Phone:
260.424.5665

Box Office Hours:
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mon. – Fri.

Ticketmaster:
1.800.745.3000

Embassy Theatre
125 West Jefferson Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

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December in Fort Wayne brings snowflakes, the holiday season, and of course, the Philharmonic Holiday Pops. This exciting musical performance has become a tradition at the Embassy Theatre and is once again back by popular demand.

Led by former associate conductor Bradley Thachuk, the Fort Wayne Phil will dazzle and delight in celebrating the holiday season. Joined by a talented cast from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the Phil brings to life all of your holiday favorites. Sit back and enjoy Sleigh Ride, the Hallelujah Chorus, and some new music that’s sure to keep you in the holiday spirit.

So dust off the snazzy duds and get out on the town! This spectacular holiday show is perfect for date night, for a big group of friends, or for the entire family (kids too!) to enjoy. Start the holidays off right with the Phil Holiday Pops!

December 7 @ 8 pm

December 8 @ 8 pm

December 14 @ 8 pm

December 15 @ 2 pm

December 15 @ 8 pm

Call the box office at 260-422-4226 or visit them online to purchase tickets.

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“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!”

This magical phrase, uttered by one of the sweetest and most recognizable voices in American cinema, holds a special place in the hearts of many. From the 1946 film by Frank Capra, First Presbyterian Theater presents It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Thom Hofrichter.

Enjoy this classic together.

The stage performance of this holiday classic film tells the touching story of George Bailey, whose troubles have led up to his imminent suicide at Christmas. When the angels in Heaven hear the prayers from his loved ones, one angel in particular is assigned to help George. Guardian angel Clarence shows how many lives have been affected by George and how different they would be without his sacrifices. It is when Clarence earns his wings (and when little Zuzu delivers her famous line) that George truly understands how blessed he is and what a wonderful life it is.

It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without It’s a Wonderful Life. First Presbyterian Theater is running the show for the following dates:

November 29 and 30

December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

Ticket prices are as follows:

• General      Admission: $20 pre-sale ($24 at the door)
• Patrons      65 and older: $18 pre-sale ($22 at the door)
• Full-time students (any age): Free with reservation to most shows (30 tickets each performance—please call or email the Box Office.) $10 at the door.
• Thursday night preview performances are $10.
• $15 tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. Please contact the Box Office at 260-422-6329 for further details or learn more online.

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Not many of us have a 35-foot blue spruce to decorate at Christmas. Thank goodness! I’m content with throwing some plug-in lights on my 6-foot artificial tree and adorning it with homemade crafty ornaments our kids made while growing up.

But the 35-foot tree does exist in downtown Fort Wayne and it will be lit to celebrate the Christmas season by 10,000 lights on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. The tree is located at Broadway Plaza on Broadway street and Park Avenue.

Special guests will be on hand to highlight the event. The Imagine Schools Chorus and Holiday Jazz Ensemble will perform musical selections prior to the lighting of the tree. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer will be present to add fun to the festivities. Families will want to attend and allow their kiddies to ride the Polar Express train rides. Light refreshments will be served.

If you’re not able to attend the event on November 16, rest assured you’ll be able to view the beautiful tree through the first week of January. Create a memory for your family!

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