November 2010 NOW@The Music Hall by The Music Hall

NOW

T h e M u s i c H a l l ’s M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e

November 2010

THE EVENT

A BENEFIT FOR THE MUSIC HALL Dads and kids had a blast at Kids RULE!: Circo Comedia on Oct. 2! “The Kids RULE! series provides a great opportunity for my friends and family to catch a great show. The shows are engaging for all ages. The Music Hall is a great venue for enjoying live acts.” – Patrick Lyons, above, with other Seacoast dads and their children

Member Deal!!

4 tickets for $200 Offer good though 10/31/10

Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

Check out all the Kids RULE! programming in November:

Friday, November 5 • 8pm • TICKETS: $75; $60 members

School Days Series: Berenstain Bears, Nov. 16

Dan Zanes rocks the Hall, Nov. 20

Kids RULE! Movie: Ramona and Beezus, Nov. 21

CAJUN POTIONS. GOURMET HORS D’OEUVRES. SILENT AUCTION. DANCE ON STAGE WITH datajockey. EXOTIC. MYSTERIOUS. SPELLBINDING. 21+ Limited tickets available SPONSORS: Bellman’s Portsmouth; Great Bay Triumph Ducati & Vespa North Hampton; LunaChics RESTAURANT SPONSORS: 100 Club; 106 Kitchen + Bar; AJ’s Wood Grilled Pizza; Billingsgate Event Catering; Flatbread Company; Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café; Rudi’s Portsmouth; Seacoast Catering

Also in this issue... Kids RULE!: Dan Zanes

The Met @ The Music Hall: Don Pasquale

Box Office 603.436.2400

Writers on a NE Stage: Simon Winchester

www.themusichall.org

Extraordinary Cinema: Mao’s Last Dancer

28 Chestnut Street • Portsmouth, NH

NOW

@ the music hall

A n A m e r i c a n Tr e a s u r e f o r t h e A r t s

live events november JUST ANNOUNCED! ELIZABETH GILBERT Tickets on sale to members Sat., Oct. 30 at noon. On sale to the public Fri., Nov. 12 at noon. Six ticket limit.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Simon Winchester

SIMON WINCHESTER

JOSEPH J. ELLIS

ELIZABETH GILBERT

Monday, November 8 • 7:30pm Tickets: $13 • Vouchers for signed book: $25.20 in advance, $27.99 day of

Tuesday, November 30 • 7:30pm Tickets: $13 • Vouchers for signed book: $25.15 in advance, $27.95 day of

Thursday, February 3 • 7:30pm • Tickets: $13 Vouchers for signed book: $14.60 in advance, $16.00 day of

The celebrated author of The Professor and the Madman, Krakatoa, and The Map that Changed the World visits us with another sure bestseller. Atlantic is a magisterial saga of the ocean and humankind’s evolving relationship with it – a blend of history and anecdote, geography and reminiscence, science and lore.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author presents his latest history, First Family: Abigail and John Adams, masterfully bringing to life America’s pre-eminent first couple in a narrative that is both intimate and panoramic.

The bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love presents her latest book, Committed, which also topped the NY Times bestseller list. This true “love story” is a clear-eyed celebration of the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.

“Winchester is such a fantastic storyteller” – ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

“humane, learned, radiant with a calm intelligence and wit” – NY Times BOOK REVIEW

SERIES PARTNERS:

Don’t miss this top children’s entertainer!

“Entertaining and illuminating.” – NY Times BOOK REVIEW “Smart but unpretentious, funny, warm and generous…By the end...you feel as if she is your friend, too.” – SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

SERIES SPONSORS: Best Western Wynwood Hotel & Suites; Calypso Communications; New England Audio Tech; Piscataqua Landscaping Company, Inc.; RMC Research Corporation; Haunted Milk Design

Dan Zanes and Friends

Saturday, November 20, 2010 11:30am & 3:30pm Tickets: $25, $18 With a new album (76 Trombones!), Dan Zanes dives into a vital part of America’s musical heritage introducing a new generation to classic Broadway everyone knows and loves. These and other American traditional songs form the foundation of the exuberant all ages dance party concerts – “Woodstock for Kids” – that Zanes is known for.

RULE! ids

R. R M STE BU

SPONSOR:Albert P. Stowe, CPA, PLLC; Portsmouth Regional Hospital; Seacoast Media Group; Clear Channel

A Music Hall favorite returns! Check out pics from Dan’s last Music Hall appearance: Dan takes the stage...

...and the pint-sized crowd loves it!

“the best thing to happen to family music since Woody Guthrie.” - Houston Chronicle

Box Office 603.436.2400

NOVEMBER 2010

extraordinary cinema

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger “Thoroughly entertaining...” – MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE

ANIMAL KINGDOM RATED R • 113min • AUSTRALIA • 10/30 - 11/3 daily @ 7pm • No show 10/31 • Discussion follows 11/2 show Welcome to the terrifying Melbourne crime underworld, where tensions are on the brink of exploding between felons and renegade cops. The Cody brothers, a gang of armed robbers, are in the process of initiating their teenage nephew Joshua into their frightening world after the death of his mother. “A naturalistic approach to an underworld story is a welcome relief from exaggerated Hollywood fare.” – HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

MAO’S LAST DANCER RATED PG • 117min • AUSTRALIA • 11/6 - 11/10 daily @ 7pm • No show 11/8 • Discussion follows 11/9 show From Academy Award nominee Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Tender Mercies) comes the inspiring true story of Li Cunxin and his extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to international stardom as a world-class ballet dancer. Based on the bestselling autobiography and starring Chi Cao as Li Cunxin. “A funny, soulful movie about love and other agonies...” –WALL STREET JOURNAL

THE CONCERT RATED PG-13 • 119min • FRANCE • 11/13 - 11/17 daily @ 7pm • Discussion follows 11/16 show An uplifting comedy about a true band of misfits. The renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a cleaning man at the Bolshoi, he learns that the orchestra will play in Paris and hatches a plan to gather his former musicians to perform in their place. In French and Russian with subtitles.

11/11 @ 7pm • NOT RATED • 88min • 1 SHOW ONLY!

“A warm, witty fairy-tale.” – HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER

Wildcard Movie: JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: THE RADIANT CHILD

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger Rated R • 100min • USA • 11/19 - 11/21 daily @ 7pm Woody Allen‘s latest follows a pair of married couples, Alfie (Anthony Hopkins) and Helena (Gemma Jones), and their daughter Sally (Naomi Watts) and her husband Roy (Josh Brolin), as their passions, ambitions, and anxieties lead them into trouble and out of their minds. Also starring Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto and Lucy Punch. “Touching, as well as entertaining” – WALL STREET JOURNAL

KIDS RULE! MOVIE: RAMONA AND BEEZUS

H ey, Kid

Rated G • 103min • USA • 11/21 @ 2pm • One Show Only!

In this new film based on the best-selling books (over 30 million...and counting) by Beverly Cleary, the adventures of young Ramona Quimby (newcomer Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (Selena Gomez) come to life. Her irrepressible sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping save her family’s home.

In his short career, Jean-Michel Basquiat was a phenomenon. He became notorious for his graffiti art under the moniker Samo in the late 1970s on the Lower East Side scene, sold his first painting to Deborah Harry for $200, and became best friends with Andy Warhol. Appreciated by both the art cognoscenti and the public, Basquiat was launched into international stardom. Director Tamra Davis pays homage to her friend in this definitive documentary. Nina Gara Bozicnik, Assistant Curator at Currier Museum of Art will be on hand for a post-film discussion. “A remarkably rich documentary...” – LA TIMES

SPONSORS: BayRing Communications; Cocked Hat Ventures, LLC; Fosters Daily Democrat; Homewood Suites by Hilton in Portsmouth, NH; WSCA 106.1FM MR. BUSTER

“bright and imaginative” – WASHINGTON POST

INSIDE JOB Rated PG-13 • 120min • USA • 11/26 - 12/2 daily @ 7pm • No show 11/30 The first film to provide a comprehensive analysis of the global financial crisis of 2008 – the worst recession since the Great Depression. Through research and interviews with key financial insiders, politicians, journalists, and academics, the film traces the rise of a rogue industry which has corrupted politics, regulation, and academia. “This movie has the rare gifts of lucid passion and informed rage.” – THE NEW YORKER

the met @ the music hall Don Pasquale (Donizetti)

Saturday, November 13 • 1pm Tickets: $27.50; 18 & under $15

Anna Netrebko returns to the role that made her a Met star, with Matthew Polenzani, Mariusz Kwiecien, and John Del Carlo. James Levine conducts.

SERIES SPONSORS:

EVENING SPONSORS: Beswick Engineering Company, Inc.; RiverWoods at Exeter

An Evening to Remember: Your Company Holiday Party at The Music Hall! Contact Mary Horigan at mhorigan@themusichall.org.

Box Office 603-436-2400

PLANES, TRAINS and automobiles

11/18 @ 7pm • Rated R • 92min • USA • 1987 • 1 SHOW ONLY! All that Neal Page (Steve Martin) wants to do is to get home for Thanksgiving. His flight has been cancelled, so he decides on other means of transport. Neal finds all kinds of bad luck and soon becomes latched onto by Del Griffith (John Candy), Shower Curtain Ring Salesman and all-around blabbermouth who decides that he just happens to be going in the same direction as Neal. A John Hughes classic.

SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Great Island Realty; LunaChics; J. Hilburn Men’s Custom Shirts & Apparel; Holloway Automotive Group; Roundabout Diner & Lounge; NH Gazette

www.themusichall.org www.themusichall.org

NOW

@ the music hall

NOVEMBER calendar of events

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

31 October

1 November

Saturday

THE EVENT

MUSIC HALL HISTORIC TOUR 5:30PM screen classics

PSYCHO 9:00PM

extraordinary cinema

ANIMAL KINGDOM

7:00PM

8 The Music Hall Presents

extraordinary cinema

MAO’S LAST DANCER

WRITERS ON A NE STAGE:

7:00PM

SIMON WINCHESTER

7:00PM

NO FILM TONIGHT

extraordinary cinema

MAO’S LAST DANCER 7:00PM

MAO’S LAST DANCER

7:00PM

SCHOOL DAYS SERIES BERENSTAIN BEARS 9:30am & 11:30am

Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra 3:00PM

20 The Music Hall Presents

KIDS RULE! DAN ZANES 11:30AM & 3:30PM

7:00PM

extraordinary cinema

THE CONCERT

THE CONCERT 7:00PM

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger 7:00PM

extraordinary cinema

THE CONCERT

extraordinary cinema

THE CONCERT

DON PASQUALE 1:00PM

TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH PRESENTS LIGHT THE WICK 8:00PM

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES 7PM

extraordinary cinema

7:00PM

13 The Music Hall Presents

THE DAILY PORTSMOUTH: A RETROSPECTIVE 5:00PM

THE CONCERT

7:00PM

MAO’S LAST DANCER

scene @ five

extraordinary cinema

7:00PM

extraordinary cinema

THE MET @ THE MUSIC HALL:

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: THE RADIANT CHILD 7PM

7:30PM

Wildcard Movie

8PM. CAJUN POTIONS. GOURMET HORS D’OUEVRES. SILENT AUCTION. DANCING ON STAGE WITH data jockey. EXOTIC. MYSTERIOUS. SPELLBINDING.

screen classics

Tall Dark Stranger 7PM

extraordinary cinema

Kids RULE! Movie: Ramona & Beezus 2:00PM extraordinary cinema

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger 7:00PM

WARREN MILLER ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS WINTERVENTION 8:00PM

WARREN MILLER ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS WINTERVENTION 6:00PM & 9:00PM

30 The Music Hall Presents

WARREN MILLER ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS WINTERVENTION 6:00PM & 9:00PM

1 December

NO FILM TONIGHT HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

INSIDE JOB

7:00PM

3 The Music Hall Presents

4 The Music Hall Presents

INTIMATELY YOURS:

ALL IS CALM: CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 3PM & 8PM

MUSIC HALL HISTORIC TOUR 5:30PM extraordinary cinema

INSIDE JOB

extraordinary cinema

INSIDE JOB 7:00PM

7:00PM

extraordinary cinema

WRITERS ON A NE STAGE:

JOSEPH ELLIS

INSIDE JOB

extraordinary cinema

INSIDE JOB 7:00PM

7:00PM

CHRIS ISAAK 8:00PM

7:30PM

Box Office 603.436.2400 • www.themusichall.org

Show & Tell: Post-show film discussion with Paul Goodwin

Enjoy the benefits.

PAID

portsmouth, nh permit no. 202

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

Photo by Gary Langley/Blind Dog Photography

Sponsors, join us for: Corporate FILM Night Nov. 16 • 5:30pm

Tickets on sale to members 10/30. To public 11/12.

ELIZABETH GILBERT Feb. 3

WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE:

Become a member.

JUST ANNOUNCED!

28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Support The Music Hall.

NOW

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Share in the magic.

The Daily Portsmouth: A Retrospective The Local Photography of Philip Case Cohen Thursday, November 18 • 5-7pm Bar opens at 5pm • Show begins at 5:30 Join us in the Founders Lobby for cocktails, music and fine photography. Hundreds of photos by TheDailyPortsmouth.com founder Phil Cohen will be shown on multiple screens. Lifelong New Englander, now Portsmouth resident, Cohen brings a bright and sensitive eye to capturing the sights, flavors and spirit of our port town. Look back at The Daily Portsmouth’s first year-and-a-half. The Music Hall’s own Mike Marchand will set the mood with some ambient grooves. Celebrate our community, celebrate good art, celebrate Fall – just plain celebrate! $2 cover charge (members free). SPONSORS: Blue Mermaid Island Grill; Foster’s Daily Democrat; Smuttynose Brewing Company; WSCA 106.1 About Scene @ Five: The recipe for The Music Hall’s latest signature series is deliciously simple: take one part social mixer and combine with an equal part art happening, pour into the Founders Lobby and let the fun begin! It’s your chance to get up-close-and-personal with art and art-makers, bringing them down from the stage or the big screen and into the intimacy of a cocktail lounge. Once each month, from 5 till 7pm; $2 cover charge, free to Music Hall members.

Or renew your membership today!

This was printed on an FSC Certified paper containing 25% post-consumer waste. FSC Certification ensures responsible use of forest resources.

The Music Hall is a 501(c)3 tax exempt, fiscally responsible nonprofit, managed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and a professional staff. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.

Box Office: 603.436.2400

Here&Now

The Music Hall and the Seacoast Community

Coming Spring 2011: The Music Hall Loft

The new creative learning and performance space offering the same high quality programs in a smaller, more intimate, recycled space We recently interviewed Patricia Lynch, Executive Director

Company awarded The Music Hall a year’s worth of work for the branding and rollout. TMS Architects, J2 Studios and Diane Hart Designs were selected by the Facilities Committee, which includes Quentin Stockwell, Staff Lead, and chaired by board member Doug Nelson, to carry out the collective vision along with general contractor DeStefano & Associates. What should we expect to see in the Loft?

How long has the Loft been in the works? Since 2004, and even earlier, the need for education, office and meeting space along with a smaller more flexible venue was identified. As our signature offerings flourished and our outreach and audiences grew, the need for a space like the Loft became very apparent. During the fall of 2009 and winter of 2010 a talented and multi-disciplinary group of board, staff, and community members, including strategic planners, banking and financial leaders, facility committee members, marketing experts, small business owners, food and beverage experts, curators, artists, and theater people came together over a period of eight months to flesh out the business plan and space layout for the Loft. Brown &

Master classes, writers workshops, meet and greets with artists, Opera Society discussions, art films, best of the local scene, emerging artists, discoveries, special events, creative learning opportunities for teens and kids and more. We will be working with community partners, sponsors and businesses for high quality rental events and festival offerings. Any new signature offerings? We will be leveraging our signature series and expanding them into the Loft. Expect more writers with our new partnership with RiverRun bookstore to bring Writers in the Loft to downtown Portsmouth, smaller more intimate author gatherings with fresh literary stars and A-list writers. Expanded Telluride by the Sea programming next year with shorts, documentaries, and restorations in the works, along with discussions. Live @ the Loft, a new collaboration with New Hampshire Public Radio, a live broadcast radio show in the Loft featuring national and

regional singer-songwriters. These new signature offerings will be great for audiences, sponsors, and the community. What about those offices? Our current offices are cramped and expensive rental space with no places to gather. We are looking forward to a more creative and professional space to welcome partners and donors, and get the best work out of our talented staff and incredible board. What do you think this means to downtown Portsmouth and the Seacoast? The Music Hall is known for its collaborative spirit, economic impact, and high quality programs. The Loft is going to be a multiplier, bringing more people to downtown, offering more education opportunities and helping to cement Portsmouth as an arts and cultural capital for the region. Have you raised all the money for this project? As we move forward with our vision to make The Music Hall a performing arts center for the 21st century, (think regional Lincoln Center) we’re going to need everyone’s help. If you’d like more information about how you can help please contact Laura Smith at The Music Hall (lsmith@themusichall.org) to learn about the campaign.

Deborah Pickett: 13 seasons, 350 volunteers, thousands of batches of popcorn! by SASA TANG, Intern

At right: Deb Pickett (third from left) with volunteers and performers from Circo Comedia. Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

As one of my first tasks as an intern here at The Music Hall, I got to interview Deborah Pickett, the Coordinator of Volunteers and House Manager, sometimes described as the “important-looking woman with the ear-piece” during events. How many volunteers do you work with? We have over 350. With so many shows and such a wide range of programming, it’s great to have lots of people with diverse interests who are excited about filling different niches. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a fabulous group of volunteers who truly care about making a difference as the first people patrons encounter. How did you start working here? A friend signed me up to volunteer for a Bruce Hornsby show. I immediately fell in love with everything about the theater and by the end of the

evening I mentioned to the House Manager that I was envious and “wanted her job.” Within a week, I was thrilled to be given a job and a key to The Music Hall! If you could make one wish for The Music Hall, what would it be? I’d love to see The Music Hall continue to thrive at the heart of the community that supports it, and in turn, for the theater to have all the resources it needs to keep giving back. How do you feel about popcorn-making? This being my “lucky 13th” season, I’ve made thousands of batches of popcorn. What’s fun about that is thinking of all the people who’ve eaten it – the new faces and the wonderful people I’ve come to know over the years, all here for the unique experience of enjoying a film in an historic theater.

How can someone start volunteering at The Music Hall? It’s easy. We have volunteer orientation the first Tuesday of every month. We meet in the lobby at 5:30, talk about the basic responsibilities and rewards of being a Music Hall Volunteer and tour the theater. Generally, by the end of the tour, people can’t wait to get started. Anyone who’s interested can contact me at dpickett@themusichall.org.

www.themusichall.org

The Event Exotic. Mysterious. Spellbinding. The Music Hall transforms itself into the Voodoo Lounge for one night only: Look for Cajun potions, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a one of a kind Silent Auction. Come in your richest velvet for a wicked night!

GOURMET HORS D’OEUVRES BY...

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café Flatbread Company Rudi’s Portsmouth

The 100 Club

Seacoast Catering Billingsgate Event Catering AJ’s Wood Grilled Pizza 106 Kitchen & Bar

Dance Hands down the dance party of the year! Where else do you get to move, groove and dance your heart out on one of the most recognizable stages in New England? Music Mike Marchand aka datajockey d{~_~}b, will be playing upbeat dance music and fantastic tunes from ‘80s hits to world beats “an evening of solid grooves, great conversation, and rare unadulterated FUN...” SPONSORS: Bellman’s Portsmouth; Great Bay Triumph Ducati and Vespa North Hampton; LunaChics

Silent Auction Items Include... Raleigh Mountain Bike • Cape Neddick Beach House Sugarbush Ski Home • Wine Tasting on Private Boat Loon Ski House • Surfboard with Lessons • Sports Tickets Amy Palmer Artwork • Piaggio Fly 50 Motorscooter Forum Destroyer snowboard • Golf Packages Ladies Night at Helene M. • AND MORE! When you purchase your Event ticket, pre-register for the silent auction by calling the Box Office and be entered into a drawing for two Gold seats for Chris Isaak!

We spoke recently with Don Jeka (left), of Great Bay Triumph Ducati & Vespa North Hampton, sponsor for The Event. You have supported The Music Hall for many years now, why and what does The Music Hall mean to you? I believe strongly in supporting the arts, especially locally. The Music Hall is a natural fit because many of our customers attend events there, and it’s a great way we can contribute to our community. I attended my first concert at The Music Hall over 21 years ago, and fell in love with it. I have been to many events there since, and I consider The Music Hall a critical component of our Seacoast culture. What trends do you see in your business? We sell some of the finest motorcycles (Ducati

and Triumph) and scooters (Vespa/Piaggio) in the world today, and gear that complements those products. Customers are very particular about spending their money on high quality products that last. This has benefited our business because the motorcycles and scooters we sell are designed and built in the United Kingdom and in Italy by manufacturers who place a premium on enduring design and quality. We are an enthusiasts’ dealership staffed by enthusiasts. Our customers choose us to add some style and excitement to their lives. When you’re dancing on stage at The Event, what kind of music will you be looking for? As a passionate lover of music, I have been known to dance to a very wide variety, and most music can make me move. That being said, I love rhythm and great drumming, so funk, gumbo, and reggae are at the top of my dance list.

Memories are made in Portsmouth! by KATHLEEN SOLDATI, Director of Marketing

And, we’ve got some terrific holiday shows. If you’re looking for a classical Christmas, All is Calm (Dec. 4) is just the ticket. Last time, patrons were wowed by the strikingly simple set filled with beautiful world class voices and an uplifting message of peace – the experience of the Truce of 1914. Next up – straight from sold out shows at the Cutler Majestic in Boston – Brian O’Donovan, host of the wildly popular weekly National Public Radio program, A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, (Dec. 11) brings top

Box Office 603.436.2400

Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

Make your holiday plans now! Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. It’s Strolls, Shows and Stayovers – that’s the irresistible Candlelight Stroll that Strawbery Banke Museum has hosted for 31 years, the live holiday shows, opera broadcasts and films in The Music Hall’s unforgettable Victorian theater, and the unparalleled stays in the elegant and delightful holiday downtown. Get ready to cuddle up with a trolley ride through red-bricked Market Square, stroll through the snowflakes to the many eclectic shops, and sample Portsmouth’s famous culinary specialties! Above: The magic of the Candlelight Stroll provided the perfect setting for a memorable proposal.

flight traditional and contemporary musicians and dancers from the Celtic countries and England – a New England holiday favorite! But, if it’s funny you’re looking for, check out Juston McKinney’s A Merry Funny New England Christmas. Juston will be joined by top young comics from both coasts and the effervescent Gaudy Baubles, (a band on the lam from Las Vegas). It’s a hilarious holiday extravaganza! Finally, Messiah Sing is a

wonderful opportunity to get into the action – bring your own score and ring in the holidays with friends and family at the Seacoast’s largest Messiah Sing, pulling together best-loved area choruses and conductors. Guest soloist and string accompaniment further enhance this Music Hall tradition! A beloved part of the holiday musical scene! Visit VintageChristmasNH.org for more information!