Christopher Brazelton

Keeping Tradition in Season of Change

BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

As we approach the end of 2020, I’ve reflected on how much has changed, possibly for years to come, while also thinking about how much I have been forced to grow. I’m sure it’s the same for you. So much has changed, yet we can’t miss the opportunity to explore how much we have grown as a community.

One thing I’ve heard fellow community members talk about is the idea of holiday traditions changing. Maybe you can’t throw the huge party you typically have at the end of the year, or see certain family members to help keep them safe, or visit Santa Claus.

I’m happy to let you know that at Elm Street, we are changing a lot this holiday season to keep a tradition going so you can see “A Christmas Carol.” We will host the show on our outside stage on the Event Green, with tables distanced safely 10 feet apart. Additionally, we will have wait staff to limit contact, so you can stay seated and enjoy the show. There will be sanitation stations available around the venue, including at your table. This may sound like a lot of change and still call it a tradition. After all, we don’t get to go to the theater, so to A scene from the 2019 production. Photo by Lauren Cibene. speak. We won’t be able to feel the anticipation as the lights dim when the show is about to start or take pictures with Scrooge after the show. It is true there will be many changes to this holiday classic.

However, I challenge you to reconsider the actual traditions. Was the tradition ever in the lights dimming? No, the real tradition is sharing a moment with your family over a story of giving. The tradition is in laughing along with Scrooge dancing in his pajamas - because you feel it is the first time he has laughed in awhile (maybe that applies to you, as well). It is watching your kids get a little spooked by the Ghost of Marley, only to get a good belly laugh at the Ghost of Christmas Present. It is our hearts changing just a little every year when we collectively remember that even someone like Scrooge can have a change of heart.

Even in the midst of change, chaos and uncertainty, traditions - true traditions - will live on. We hope you can join us!

UPCOMING AT ELM STREET

The Holiday Tradition Returns! A CHRISTMAS CAROL

AN OPEN AIR CONCERT PRODUCTION ON THE ELM STREET EVENT GREEN!

DEC 18-24 FRI AT 7:30PM SAT-THURS AT 2:30PM *No Monday performance

FINISH THE YEAR ON A HIGH NOTE! “Gather and sing of this glorious thing known as Christmas together” with our annual holiday musical! TABLES SEATING UP TO 6 & 8 - BRING THE FAMILY TOGETHER!