4 • Thursday, December 2, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Visions of Sugar Plums Magic City Nutcracker Returns Dec. 3-5
More than 100 dancers representing 33 dance studios across the state will come together on stage at the Lyric Theatre Dec. 3-5 for the Magic City Nutcracker. This marks the eighth annual performance and a return to a live gathering, as last year’s performance was filmed in iconic locations around Birmingham and presented virtually. “We received such amazing support of our filmed production in 2020 in response to COVID that we have been able to expand outside of simply performing the Nutcracker each year,” Magic City Performing Arts’ Artistic Director Stephanie Rangel said. The Magic City Nutcracker organization recently formed the performing arts group to extend fine arts education in the community, beyond the annual Nutcracker performances. “In fact, we provide classes to places like the Boys and Girls Club, and two of our students from that outreach program will be performing in this year’s production,” Rangel said. “Performance experience with local and professional talent would be something unheard of without the generosity of past and current sponsors allowing us to establish an organization with a broader fine arts mission.” Tickets to the Nutcracker are $25, and proceeds will benefit the performing arts group’s weekly outreach classes. This year’s cast is composed of dancers as young as 5, college students and professionals from the Birmingham metro area, Gadsden,
DEC 2 - DEC 16
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum will offer trips to the “North Pole” aboard the magical North Pole Express. Along the way, passengers will listen to a whimsical Christmas story, sing holiday carols and will watch as bright lights of the North Pole appear in the windows. Website: hodrrm.org
More than 100 dancers representing 33 dance studios across the state will come together on stage at the Lyric Theatre Dec. 3-5 for the Magic City Nutcracker.
For more information, please visit magiccitynutcracker.org.
LeGarde. When: 1-2 p.m. Website: homewoodpubliclibrary.org
Through Dec. 18 North Pole Express
Anniston and beyond. Additionally, principal guest artists Adriana Alvarado and Luis Victor Santana, from Centro Danza in Puerto Rico, will join the show as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. The pair performed virtually in 2020 from Puerto Rico. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 3, with children’s matinees Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. A formal attire gala performance, reception and patron party will be held Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
Photos courtesy Magic City Nutcracker
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
Fri., Dec. 3 A Christmas Carol
The students at Unless U will host performances of this timeless classic
holiday tale. When: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Where: Unless U Website: unlessu. org
Dec. 3-19 Holiday Spectacular
Members of the Red Mountain
Theatre youth ensemble will perform alongside some of the area’s best professional talent in this showcase featuring song and dance that celebrates the holiday season. When: showtimes vary Where: RMT MainStage Website: redmountaintheatre.org
Magical Nights: Vulcan’s Holiday Experience
On select nights in December, Vulcan Park and Museum will transform into a magical holiday experience, featuring food trucks, music, Santa and more. When: 6-8 p.m., weekends Where: Vulcan Park and Museum Website: visitvulcan.com
Dec. 3-22 Alabama Theatre Christmas Movie Series
Thurs., Dec. 2 Gifts of Art
Aldridge Gardens will host its annual holiday gift market, featuring unique gifts created by local artists. When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens Website: Aldridgegardens. com
GLOW WILD: AN ANIMAL LANTERN CELEBRATION THROUGH JAN. 17
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Lost at Pearl Harbor
In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, the Homewood Public Library will host a virtual presentation in conjunction with the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to highlight government work to identify the Missing In Action veterans from Pearl Harbor, featuring forensic anthropologist and USS Oklahoma Project Lead Carrie
Dec. 3-19
The Birmingham Zoo will be lit up on select evenings with a largerthan-life illuminated experience during the months of December and January. The installations feature jaw-dropping plant and animal lantern creations, paired with rides on the Red Diamond Radiant Express Train and the Protective Life Jingle Bell Carousel. When: 5-9 p.m., select nights Where: The Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
This year’s lineup of holiday movies will include White Christmas, The Polar Express, Christmas Vacation, Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, A Christmas Story, Die Hard and Christmas in Connecticut. In addition, a Cartoon Triple Feature will include Merry Christmas Charlie Brown, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. All showings will be $10, except for the Polar Express, which will be $12 with funds raised benefitting Kid One Transport. Doors open one hour before showtime, and each showing begins with a singalong to the theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Where: The Alabama Theatre Website: alabamatheatre.com
