ABOUT TOWN

Visions of Sugar Plums

Magic City Nutcracker Returns Dec. 3-5

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

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, 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.

For more information, please visit magiccitynutcracker.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.

DEC 2 - DEC 16

Through Dec. 18

North Pole Express

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

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

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 LeGarde. When: 1-2 p.m. Website: homewoodpubliclibrary.org

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

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

GLOW WILD: AN ANIMAL LANTERN CELEBRATION THROUGH JAN. 17

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

Dec. 3-19

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

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

Aubie Clause

The Greater Birmingham Auburn Club will host its annual Aubie Clause meet and greet, featuring pictures with Aubie Clause and an opportunity to meet David Housel, director of athletics emeritus at Auburn University and author of “From the Backbooth at Chappy’s.” In lieu of a photo fee, the club will be collecting donations for Arc of Central Alabama, including new items such as blankets, gloves, hats, sock packs, slippers, bath sets, movies, journals, colored pencils and sketch pads. When: 9 a.m.noon Where: Arc of Central Alabama Website: thegbac.org

Bluff Park Christmas Parade

The Bluff Park community will host this annual holiday parade, featuring seasonally themed floats created by local families, friend groups, community organizations, businesses and more as well as performances by school groups. When: 10 a.m. Where: Shades Cliff Pool Website: “Bluff Park Christmas Parade” Facebook page.

Sun., Dec. 5

Ho Ho Hoover-Randle

The Hoover Randle Home and Gardens will host a holiday event benefitting Hoover Helps, featuring home tours, refreshments and performances by the Spain Park and Hoover high school choirs and dance teams. Jordan Carraway, Miss Hoover, will sere as the emcee for the event. Additional parking and shuttle service will be available at Shades Mountain Community Church. When: 2-5 p.m. Where: Hoover Randle Home & Gardens Website: aldridgegardens.com

Car Menorah Parade

Chabad of Alabama is bringing back its car parade celebrating the light of Chanukah in the streets of Birmingham. Accompanied by police escort, each car in the parade will have a magnetic car menorah or Chanukah flag. When: 4:30 p.m., lineup Website: chabadofalabama. com

Tues., Dec. 7

“Air Raid… Pearl Harbor… This is Not a Drill!”

Niki Sepsas will present a program about the attack on Pearl Harbor that took place on Dec. 7, 1941 and changed the course of history for a generation of Americans and the world. When: 1-2 p.m. Where: Homewood Public Library, large auditorium Website: homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Thurs., Dec. 9

Holiday Concert

Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Department will host a special holiday concert for senior citizens, featuring performances by the Vestavia Hills High School Jazz Band. When: 3-5 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center, Dogwood Room Website: business.vestaviahills.org/events/

Sat., Dec. 11

Holiday Craft and Bake Sale

The Alabama Wildlife Center will host a holiday shopping experience to support the organization’s mission of wildlife rehabilitation and education. Featured products include items such as nature-themed ornaments, bird feeders, holiday decor and artwork, as well as food items ranging from homemade jams and baked goods to smoked hams and homemade frozen casseroles. The event will include visits with Santa, refreshments and meet and greets with the facility’s Education Birds. When: 9-3 p.m. Where: Alabama Wildlife Center Website: Alabamawildlifecenter.org

Home for the Holidays

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will present a SuperPOPS! Special Event, featuring sing alongs to holiday favorites, timeless classics and more with special guest Leah Luker. When: 7 p.m. Where: BJCC Concert Hall Website: alabamasymphony.org

AB CALENDAR continued on page 8 cookmuseum.org

A MEMBERSHIP TO Samford Stages ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’

Samford University School of the Arts will celebrate the holidays with a production of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” in the Wright Center Dec. 2-5.

Almost 50 students are cast in the show with an equal number working behind the scenes in lighting, set design, costumes and production management. The Samford Orchestra will accompany the production.

“It is a team effort to pull off a production of this size,” Chelsea Nicholson, director of the show and assistant professor at Samford with a focus on musical theater and acting, said in a statement from Samford.

“‘A Christmas Carol’ is one of the most beautiful redemption stories that mirrors the Gospel and grace available to all; even the most selfish curmudgeon of us can find hope in repentance and forgiveness,” Nicholson said.

“The musical version of A Christmas Carol is appropriate for the entire family. We are excited to offer this show to the Birmingham community. The Samford campus shines during the holidays with beautiful decorations, and we hope to get everyone in the Christmas spirit with this show!” Nicholson said .

This production is the Broadway musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic and features songs by composer Alan Menken.

It is part of the Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series and sponsored by Elouise Williams.

Tickets are available at tickets. samford.edu.

Almost 50 students are cast in the show with an equal number working behind the scenes in lighting, set design, costumes and production management.

Studio By the Tracks to Host Annual Holiday Open House and Maker’s Market

Studio By The Tracks will celebrate art, neurodiversity and the gift-giving season at the Irondale studio on Dec. 11, hosting its annual Holiday Open House.

Each holiday season, the studio hosts this fundraiser along with a maker’s market featuring art created by local vendors and studio participants.

The nonprofit organization provides adult artists on the autism spectrum with access to all the resources they need to pursue a creative career path in the arts.

Studio artists receive art supplies and materials, instruction and guidance as needed, and artist representation at no cost.

According to organization officials, all kinds of studio merchandise and one-of-a-kind art created by studio artists will be available for viewing and purchase in the indoor Studio Sale. Goods available for purchase include art prints, ceramic goods, greeting cards, T-shirts, sweatshirts, scarves, face masks, mugs, pillows, gift sets and other items.

Visitors also can shop from 18 local art and gift vendors at the outdoor market, including Marsuko Jewelry, Digs Design, Honey Paint,

Fireballs the modern alternative

Now Located in Vestavia Hills!

1441 MONTGOMERY HIGHWAY

(205) 979-7727 hollywoodpoolandspa.com

WE HAVE MOVED TO HOLLYWOOD POOL & SPA IN VESTAVIA!

Photos courtesy Studio by the Tracks

All kinds of studio merchandise and one-of-a-kind art created by studio artists will be available for viewing and purchase in the indoor Studio Sale, right. Visitors also can shop from 18 local art and gift vendors at the outdoor market, above.

Betsy R. Marks Design, Doug Baulos, Amparo Creative House, Merilka LLC, Natalie Zoghby Art, Pearl’s Goods and Cutitupsnippit, Melissa Word, Chris Lawson, Paul Cordes Wilm, Tara Stallworth Lee, Kathleen Watson, Feather Wild, Aaron Sanders Head Studio, Drifter Clay, Wild Violet Gardens and Knotty By Nature.

Food and drink will be provided by Red Bike Coffee and baked goods will be available courtesy of Last Call Baking Co.

Studio artists receive 60% commission on all sales of their works, and the remaining proceeds go directly back to the studio’s programs. The studio also serves 30 children who have diagnoses of severe emotional disorders with a weekly art curriculum.

For more information, visit studioTo: Mike bythetracks.org. From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: Oct. 11, 2016 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Oct. 20, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention.

McWane Holiday Movie Series

The holidays will arrive at McWane over this weekend, with the IMAX Dome hosting showings of familyfriendly holiday movies. “The Polar Express” (2004) will show Dec. 10-12 and “The Grinch” (2018) will be showing on Dec. 11 and 12. Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org

Dec. 11

Celebration in Whoville

Cindy Lou Who and the McWane Science Center team are throwing a holiday party to lift the Grinch’s spirits. The celebration will include themed entertainment and activities, cookies, hot chocolate and more. Free admission for children under the age of 2. When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org

Dec. 11-22

“A Christmas Carol”

Birmingham Children’s Theatre will present this reimagined, kid-friendly play by Toby Hulse with music by Julian Butler, based on the novel by Charles Dickens. The production will be directed by Tam DeBolt of Terrific New Theatre and is geared towards ages six and up. When: Dec. 11 and 18, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 22, 7 p.m. Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre Website: bct123.org Sun., Dec. 12

Merry & Bright

The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra will host two performances while folks shop for the holidays. When: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Where: Riverchase Galleria Website: alabamasymphony.org

GUINII I I II

205-595-4846

www.guinservice.com

Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Generators

Birmingham Boys Choir Christmas Concert

Members of the Birmingham Boys Choir will regale audiences with holiday favorites with this annual concert. This year’s concert will include performances by more than 30 fathers as well as a number of BBC alums. When: 7 p.m. Where: Samford University’s Wright Center Website: birminghamboyschoir.org

VHCS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Vestavia Hills City Schools will host a ceremony to induct its second class of Hall of Fame members, including Barbara Grant, Michael Gross, Rick McKay, John Rush and the late Sammy Dunn. When: 7 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills High School

Dec. 14-21

Wacky Tacky Light Tour

The 10th annual tour will include 12, 13 and 32-passenger buses leaving every 15 minutes from 6-7:30 p.m. to tour magical light displays around town. Well known holiday houses include Santa’s Trailer Park, the Hanukkah House, Dueling Neighbors, Star Wars Christmas, and two new houses: Saddle Up Santa and Xmas on a Limb. Funds raised benefit the Fresh Air Family’s award winning Gross Out Camp scholarship fund. When: Dec. 14-16 and Dec. 21 Where: Tropicaleo, 4426 Fourth Ave. S Website: wackytacky.org

Dec. 17-19, 21-23

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. When: showtimes vary Where: BJCC Concert Hall Website: alabamaballet.org

Dec. 17-18

Handel’s Messiah

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra Masterworks series continues with the orchestra’s most beloved holiday tradition. For the first time in several seasons, the production will include almost every movement of the original work.The performance will feature conductor Kevin Fitzgerald, soprano Paulina Swierczek, mezzo-soprano Emily Jaworski Koriath, tenor Roderick George, bass-baritone William Socolof and the orchestra chorus under the direction of Dr. Philip L. Copeland. When: 7 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall

Sun., Dec. 19

Sounds of the Season

Kick off the holidays with Opera Birmingham’s annual concert of holiday songs, featuring both sacred and secular tunes. Featured performers include Birmingham natives Elias Hendricks, tenor, and Cordelia Anderson, soprano, joined by artists of the Opera Birmingham Studio at Samford University and the Opera Birmingham Chamber Choir. When: 2:30 p.m. Where: Brock Recital Hall, Samford University Website: operabirmingham.org.

Mary Charles' Doll House

Dolls, Doll Houses and Miniatures

Holiday Hours Open Tue. - Sat., starting 11/30 Open Mon. - Sat., starting 12/13 Open Christmas Eve 10am - 2pm 1901 Oxmoor Rd. | Homewood 205-870-5544

Swiss watchmaking expertise since 1832.

Longines Spirit

2701 Cahaba Road | Mountain BrookVillage 205.871.7060 | bartonclay.com

SCORE SOME GREAT GIFTS To: Mary Charles From: Over the Mountain Journal 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax Date: Nov 2021

This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the November 15, 2018issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as THE WORLD GAMES possible to approve your ad or make changes. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

JULY 2022

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as is.

34 international sports. Thousands of athletes. An entire world watching.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT TWG2022.COM

EVENT ORGANIZED WITH THE SUPPORT OF