Kimaya Diggs to play holiday show at Iron Horse Music Hall, D2
& Jazz elf magic
JAZZ & ELF MAGIC
Kimaya Diggs brings holiday show to Iron Horse Music Hall
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
Kimaya Diggs’ fourth annual holiday show, coming to the Iron Horse Music Hall on Friday, is “one-part jazz show, one-part campy variety and one-part elf magic.”
“I can’t believe it’s continued for so long,” she said in an interview with The Republican.
“There are so many families now who say, ‘Oh, this is our tradition,’ and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe that.’”
Diggs was born and raised in Western Massachusetts, and her accolades include nominations for Best New Artist and Album of the Year at the 2023 New England Music Awards. She was honored that same year by WBUR as one of 10 artists of color making a difference in the Boston area.
“Expressive, smooth vocals … she’s kind of an unstoppable force,” The Boston Globe writes.
Her first LP, 2018′s “Breastfed,” was inspired by her mother’s battle with a 12-year-long illness. Her death in 2021 is what inspired Diggs to write her first-ever Christmas song, “One More Holiday,” which she performed during her inaugural holiday show that same year. The lyrics express the raw emotions that come with the loss of a parent, like “Give me one more holiday, and can’t you please let my mama stay?”
After three sell-out years in a row, Diggs said that her fourth holiday show will cover
Kimaya Diggs' fourth annual holiday show is coming to the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton.
do with a jazz trio. (And) this year, I have 16 special guests for the show. Because of just who they specifically are, there are also going to be a couple of other sets. There’s going to be a set with local indie-rock musicians from the band LuxDeluxe and Sun Parade and Hannah Mohan. There’s also going to be a folk set with me and Harris Paseltiner, who’s from the band Darlingside; Chris Freeman, from the band Parsonsfield; and then Heather Maloney. So, there will be these two other sets that feature a lot of special guests and then a bunch of stuff with the jazz trio.”
Q. Will it be original songs, holiday covers or a mix?
A. Oh, geez … I mean, my favorite holiday album is the Nat King Cole one. And I love the Christmas song, ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.’ I think his version of that is maybe my all-time favorite.
Q. The Iron Horse website mentioned that there’s other things happening at the show, too. Something about giveaways?
a range of emotions that come with the holidays — the happy and the not-so-jolly. Diggs will be joined by 16 special guests, including members of Western Massachusetts bands Sun Parade and LuxDeluxe. Before her show, Diggs took the time with The Republican to talk about Christmas memories with her mother and her ongoing musical endeavors. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. What inspired you to start doing your holiday show?
A. The first show was in 2021, and I had lost my mom in May of that year. I just felt so much dread as the holidays approached … even imagining what the holidays would be like in the summertime. So, in the summer, I was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to make a Christmas album finally; it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.’ Somebody gave me a really generous donation out of the blue that was the perfect amount of money to pay for the project to make a Christmas album. I decided to write an original Christmas song about my mom and put together a show that was a space that could hold all the
feelings of the holiday season, so the happiness and the family stuff, but also the sadness and loneliness that comes with the season.
Q. Can you share more about your original holiday song?
A. The original song that I wrote first is called ‘One More Holiday.’ And last year, I released a new original holiday song called ‘Alone at Christmas,’ and that one’s more about the stressful parts of the holidays and how sometimes it might just be easier to be at home. (laughs) It’s a song that sounds a little sad, but it’s not really.
Q. Why is every Christmas song so holly jolly anyway?
A. Yeah. I’m like, it’s stressful! It’s expensive! (laughs)
Q. Do you have any holiday memories with your mother that stand out to you?
A. I loved decorating the tree with the family. One thing that she did that I came to appreciate more as I got older is she kept these ornaments that me and my siblings made as little kids, so there were some elementary school project Christmas ornaments. I know
some people like to have their tree really matchy and with a theme, and I just appreciate that, for her, it was so much more about family and having fun and our own tradition.
Q. Can you share more about what people can expect from your holiday show?
A. It’s a little different from my usual full-band shows. For this show, most of the songs I
A. It’s going to be a mix. I would say it’s mostly classics with a small handful of originals. It’s pretty hard to write an original holiday tune that stands up against all the classics, so we like to dig deep into the tried and true. (laughs)
Q. I have to ask — what’s your own favorite holiday song?
A. It’s a free raffle. People can grab a ticket at the door, and I usually raffle off a little bit of holiday merch. And my little niece often helps pull the number. The other thing that we’re doing this year is that I really think everyone has a better time if everyone dresses up. It can be fancy, it can be fun, you can wear your ugly Christmas sweater. But to encourage people to really go all out in dressing up, I am paying with my own money to have a professional photographer there to do holiday photos. It will be free for everyone, so folks can dress up in their very best or funniest or silliest or whatever, and get a really nice photo.
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
Kimaya Diggs performs at the Green River Festival. (CARLY RAE PHOTO) SEE JAZZ, PAGE D5
SPRINGFIELD
‘The Nutcracker’ dances its way to Symphony Hall
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
From Russia, with love, comes a tale as old as time to Springfield’s Symphony Hall this weekend when the Albany Berkshire Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” for three performances.
Showtimes are 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“The Nutcracker” — featuring the music of Tchaikovsky set to an adapted tale originally written in 1816 by Prussian author E.T.A. Hoffman — was first performed in Saint Petersburgh, Russia, in 1892. While not an instant success, the ballet didn’t make its way to America until the 1900s when George Balanchine’s 1954 production with the New York City Ballet set the stage for it becoming an American tradition.
“The Nutcracker” focuses on Clara, her strange uncle Drosselmeyer who gifts her with a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve, and her dreamy imagination as she battles the Rat King to save the Nutcracker Prince, and then travels to the enchanted Snow Forest and beautiful Kingdom of Sweets.
Choreographed by ABB’s founder and artistic director Madeline Cantarella Culpo, “The Nutcracker” features
“The show is all about love and family and what is more important than that? It is such a wonderful tradition and, in this world today, we need to remember the good things and bring them into our own children’s lives.”
Madeline Cantarella Culpo
award-winning dramatic sets by Carl Sprague and costumes designed by Riata Watson and Victile Donahue alongside the stars of the show — 17 professional dancers from Albany Berkshire Ballet and guest dancers from across the country and even one from Brazil.
“The show is all about love and family and what is more important than that? It is such a wonderful tradition and, in this world today, we need to remember the good things and bring them into our own children’s lives...
Northampton gears up for First Night
musical extravaganza
LAST WEEK WE looked at some of the Christmas parties up and down the area.
That means that this week (and next) we need to give a rundown of the upcoming New Year’s Eve bashes, which are only about two weeks away.
This first week we will focus on the biggest and most well-known party in the area, Northampton’s First Night celebration. While there will be other stories about the overall goings-on in Northampton, Live Wire
will focus on some of the wide-ranging musical acts you can catch throughout the
experiencing love... and we certainly do that with this ballet,” Culpo said.
Culpo is directing her 50th production of “The Nutcracker” this year.
“I started because I love working with kids ... it’s always been my dream. Kids are special and working with them and seeing them enjoying being a part of ‘The Nutcracker’ is a thrill for me,” Culpo said.
While you may find many children in the audience enjoying “The Nutcracker,”
Hector and Gena Lomelin, of South Hadley, watch the fireworks in downtown Northampton during the city’s 38th annual New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night Northampton.
(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)
George Lenker LIVE WIRE SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE
The Albany Berkshire Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at Springfield Symphony Hall on Saturday.
Christmas is in the air at MGM Springfield
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
Jeb Rand and his wife Jennifer know a thing or two about putting on a Christmas show to dazzle audiences, like they will with this weekend’s Christmas in the Air in the ARIA Ballroom at MGM Springfield.
Christmas in the Air — set for Saturday at 7 p.m. — is a 90-mintue Broadway-style song and dance revue with Rockette-style dancers along with singers and actors performing in vignettes which move the feel-good holiday storyline along.
Jeb Rand, the show’s executive producer and director (his wife is the show’s producer), has been writing, producing and directing shows for over 20 years. Rand and his wife are world-class figure skaters who were nationally ranked pairs figure skaters for the United States from 19861990, and their professional career includes principal roles with the Ice Capades, Disney on Ice, and Stars on Ice. From 1998- 2005, they were the lead ice skaters at Radio City Music Hall in The Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.
When asked to describe Christmas in the Air, Rand
offered several thoughts on the show which he referred to as his “brainchild.”
“It’s a vegetable soup of experiences from our lives as performers with a hodgepodge of ingredients. It’s a Christmas card come to life. It’s a snow globe that comes to life when someone shakes it and looks into it evoking different memories for each person, like the first time you might have gone skating at Rockefeller Plaza,” he said.
“I sometimes feel like the last living Clark Griswold from the movie ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vaca-
on musically?
A.
Q. So not really a specific dress code, then?
A. Exactly, yeah. We have a wide range of what folks have worn on stage. There’s been some ugly sweaters, there’s been some suits, and I personally found this amazing ’70s formal dress at the Cancer Connection thrift store, and I’m excited about that.
Q. Beyond the holiday show, what are you working
I am working on a new album. I’m in the pre-production phases for that, finishing up some of the writing. I don’t have many shows planned for early 2025, because I’m preparing to launch a fundraising campaign to create that new album. Making music is really expensive. I did a Kickstarter in 2018 or 2017, and I kind of wanted to move away from that, because the fees are so high, and ... that just ended up being really tough to keep up.
... What I decided (instead) was, I went to college for opera, and I’m going to do an
tion,’ who tries to create the quintessential perfect Christmas for his family just as I am trying to do for audiences with this show,” Rand added. Act I begins with Santa and his elf Alabaster traveling through time and space as Santa prepares for his big day, followed by story-telling vignettes with singing and dancing including “Christmas in the Air,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Deck the Rooftop,” “Jingle Bells,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Nutcracker Medley” — a six-minute fun romp with costumed characters from
opera recital in February as a fundraising gala. People can pay what they want to donate as their ticket price, and then we’ll have this gala recital on Feb. 15.
Kimaya Diggs’ holiday show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets, which range from $22 to $30, can be purchased online. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, visit the Iron Horse Music Hall website at ironhorse.org. For more information about Diggs’ music projects, and to purchase tickets to her opera gala, visit her website, kimayadiggs.com, or on Instagram @KimayaDiggs.
“It’s a Christmas card come to life. It’s a snow globe that comes to life when someone shakes it and looks into it evoking different memories for each person, like the first time you might have gone skating at Rockefeller Plaza.”
the ballet, “Never Fall in Love with an Elf,” and “Happy Holidays — Let Yourself Go,” which is a new addition to the show.
“‘Happy Holidays,’ which has been well-received by audiences, is a big Broadway feel-good number with everyone on stage. It features songs and tap dancing, which you don’t see in many Broadway shows today written by younger writers,” Rand said. Act II features “Deck the Halls,” “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” a special comedy vignette, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “O Holy Night,” and a big finale with the entire company called “Rockin’ Christmas Medley.” Award-winning New York
City-based director/choreographer Ann Cooley — with a long list of productions to her credit, including serving for a decade as line captain, choreographer and event creative for Radio City and its Christmas Spectacular — is the show’s choreographer.
“Ann’s work with our Tinsel-Toe Dancers has resulted in five of them going on to perform in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, while another three have gone on to serve as cheerleaders for major league baseball and football,” Rand said, noting the show also includes four male dancers.
Tickets, ranging in price from $34 to $58, are available online at mgmspringfield. mgmresorts.com.
Jeb Rand, executive producer and director of Christmas in the Air
The Christmas in the Air show is inspired by the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York City.
The Grinch’s Grotto is from the creators of The Dr. Seuss Experience, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Grinchmas is sponsored by
TV shows from 2024 that are worth watching before the new year
Live Wire
day and evening. While various family entertainment acts get started at noon, the music doesn’t really get going until 2 p.m. That’s when some of the acts will take various stages downtown, including the AEIOUkes playing popular American tunes while singing and strumming ukuleles and Pamela Means showcasing her critically acclaimed jazz guitar and vocals. Meanwhile New Leaf provides a fresh take on traditional music, and Dick Moulding’s ragtime piano act resurrects songs by legends such as Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake, Fats Waller and W.C. Handy, among others.
4 o’clock frame, with other notable acts such as The Valley Guitar Orchestra, Henning Ohlenbusch and the Valley Light Opera (among others) popping up at various venues. At 5 p.m. longtime local favorite Ray Mason does a solo show, and Katherine First & Kitchen Party bring a Cape Breton-style festive atmosphere with their fiddle, banjo, guitar and percussion combination.
After the fireworks at 6 p.m., you can sample from Klezamir, Masala Jazz, Kalliope Jones, Rhubarb Duo, Valley Jazz Voices, the Lucia Dostal Band or Tommy Twilite, among others at 7 p.m.
By A LICIA R ANCILIO Associated Press
It could be argued that 2024 wasn’t the best year for television. Highly anticipated shows like the final season of “Stranger Things,” “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus” didn’t even make it on the calendar and will instead return in 2025. Streamers and networks tightened their budgets by saying yes to less.
Writing off this year’s selection, however, seems unfair. There were new standout comedies, dramas, reality TV and remakes of old favorites that caught the attention of viewers, awards voters and the zeitgeist.
In no particular order, here are 10 new shows from 2024 to check out before the new year.
“Nobody Wants This” In 2024, pop culture experienced a Brodyssance when Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” reminded many why they had a crush on Adam Brody in the early aughts when he was on “The O.C.” In this rom-com created by Erin Foster, Brody plays a rabbi named Noah who begins dating a gentile named Joanne (the always entertaining Kristen Bell) and their courtship as thirtysomethings unfolds. Before reaching their happily ever after, a number
of obstacles — like religious differences, family pressures and career goals — need to be addressed. Hope is not lost, however, and throughout it all Noah and Joanne remain a good match. The supporting cast, by the way, is also a delight.
“Supacell”
The British series “Supacell” introduced a smart spin on the superhero template. Created and written by Rapman, the show centers on a group of Black, working
class people in London who discover they have superpowers. At first, it seems the powerful are linked by just the color of their skin but their real connection is a family history of sickle cell disease. The show addresses themes like the medical exploitation of the Black community, poverty and how the media often overlooks cases of missing people of color. The show has
The 3 p.m. hour expands the musical horizon even further as among the numerous choices are Roger Salloom, Stompbox Trio, Mark Nomad, Lisa Bastoni and Wildcat O’Halloran. Families may want to investigate the Juice and Jelly Funtime Band, a three-piece combo that plays original music written for kids and their families. The Expandable Brass Band and Original Cowards also fill out the 3 p.m. slot.
Tracy Grammar and Jim Henry are at the top of the
Spouse, Lonesome Brothers and Cloudbelly display the local area’s diverse depth of talent in the 8 p.m. slot, with acts such as ReBelle, Stefan Weiner and Chris Goodreau fleshing out the panoply of regional artistry.
The evening winds up with some great musical fireworks, with acts like The Fawns, Ciarra Fragale, Shubalananda Kirtan, Russell Brooks, and Thrasher Wheat playing at 9:15 p.m., and Folk Implosion, The Mitchells and Pangeans bringing things to a close at 10:15 p.m.
For a detailed schedule of acts and venues, go online to firstnightnorthampton.org
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Above, from left, Kathy Bates in a scene from "Matlock" and Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley in a scene from "Ripley." (SONJA FLEMMING/CBS VIA AP; NETFLIX VIA AP)
been renewed for a second season and is on Netflix.
“The Penguin”
Another fresh take on the world of superheroes and their villains is “The Penguin,” on Max. The story picks up after the 2022 film “The Batman” starring Robert Pattinson but here, Batman is more a background character to the gangster story of Oz Cobb. Colin Farrell played the criminal kingpin in the Pattinson film and reprises that role here. Cristin Milioti has also gotten positive reviews — and a Golden Globe nomination — for her portrayal of villain Sofia Falcone.
“Matlock”
When CBS first announced a new “Matlock” with Kathy Bates in the lead role, it seemed like just a gender-flipped remake. Au contraire. Bates plays Madeline Kingston, a wealthy lawyer who comes out of retirement under the alias Mattie Matlock (with a similar folksy demeanor as Andy Griffith’s). Her reason for returning to work is that she needs money but, in reality, she’s out for revenge. It’s also fun to see how the series addresses
older people being often overlooked and underestimated, which Madeline sometimes leans into for her own benefit. It streams on Paramount+. (Bates also snagged a Globe nomination.)
“The Valley” When “Vanderpump Rules” spinoff “The Valley” debuted on Bravo in spring, some fans rolled their eyes. It follows three former “Vanderpump” castmates — Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright and Kristen Doute — now living more settled lives amid a new circle of friends. Taylor and Doute knew the assignment — or just quickly fell into old habits of saying too much and stirring
the pot. The new cast also impressed. Janet Caperna positioned herself as both above the drama and very much living for it. Jesse Lally showed vulnerability over the demise of his marriage to castmate Michelle Sanai, while also being an unapologetic snob. Viewers watched Taylor and Cartwright’s marriage spiral, too (they’re now divorcing). It streams on Peacock.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
Another adaptation with a twist is Prime Video’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. It shares a title with the film starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but differs dramat-
ically: Glover and Erskine play spies assigned to pose as a married couple named John and Jane Smith. They quickly go from strangers to co-workers to lovers. Each episode sees John and Jane on a new assignment, with notable guest stars like Alexander Skarsgård, Michaela Coel and Sharon Horgan. The show was nominated for 16 Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes.
“Ripley”
Andrew Scott stars in “Ripley,” a neo-noir Netflix adaptation about the con artist and serial killer created by Patricia Highsmith. Like the 1999 movie starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law, this limited series is based on the Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Tom Ripley is hired by a wealthy businessman to
travel to Italy and encourage his son, Dickie, who is living a life of leisure, to return to the States. Ripley ends up becoming enamored with Dickie’s lifestyle and the ruse turns deadly.
“English Teacher”
Brian Jordan Alvarez created and stars in FX’s “English Teacher” as Evan, a high school teacher in Texas, juggling the normal demands of the job amid societal changes. In one episode, Evan must show sensitivity to a student who has self-diagnosed herself with a made-up disease. In another, he successfully gets the school’s gun safety program shut down but then is told all faculty must receive firearm training. As the adults on the show often struggle with getting it right, it’s the students who seem less
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D6
Kristen Bell, left, and Adam Brody appear in a scene from “Nobody Wants This.” (HOPPER STONE/ NETFLIX VIA AP)
Colin Farrell appears in a scene from the series "Penguin." (HBO VIA AP)
Brian Jordan Alvarez appears in a scene from “English Teacher.” (STEVE SWISHER / FX VIA AP)
Donald Glover, left, and Maya Erskine appear in a scene from "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." (DAVID LEE / PRIME VIDEO VIA AP)
Restaurant gift cards to play major role in holiday giving
ACCORDING
TO
the National Restaurant Association (NRA), restaurant gift cards will play a major role in Yuletide gift-giving this year.
Based on data from a November survey commissioned by the NRA, almost 60% of those responding said they anticipate giving at least one restaurant gift card this holiday season. The popularity of restaurant gift cards seems to be age-related, with younger consumers almost twice as likely to give such cards as gifts than baby boomers are.
The NRA’s research also explored the expectations of restaurant gift cards recipients. Three-quarters of those responding said they preferred cards that could be used for takeout or delivery over those that were only valid on a dine-in basis.
Not surprisingly, some 81% of potential card recipients also hoped that a card would have enough value to cover the full cost of a meal. Apparently, no one likes having to chip in to “top up” a gift card redemption.
This preference that a card cover the whole cost of a meal can make buying restaurant gift a tricky business. A card that’s simply charged with $10 or $25 demonstrates about as much gift-giving effort as tucking a $20 into an envelope. On the other hand, putting a bit more thought into the amount loaded into it can make the gift seem more personal.
If you know the intended recipient has a favorite restaurant or chain operation, go online and look at the menu to get a sense of the total cost of the experience — drinks, entree, and perhaps an appetizer or dessert — you want to sponsor. Add enough for a tip as well.
If you don’t wish for your gift card to be mistaken as
“dinner for two on me,” enclose a note with your card suggesting your intention to instead “buy lunch someday” or to cover “a round of drinks the next time you go out.” Doing so can gently manage your recipient’s expectations. Menus posted online by chains and independents alike can be helpful in estimating a total for your intended gift card experience, but it should be noted that some of those menus may be marked up to include a delivery surcharge.
Gift ideas for the beer lover in your life
WE’RE SMACK
dab in the middle of the holiday season, so as is our custom at this time of year, here are some gift ideas for the beer aficionado in your life (or things you can hint about if you want a loved one to buy one for you).
As always, I try to cover a reasonable price range so you can find something without breaking the bank. So without further ado, here are some ideas that should make spirits bright for beer enthusiasts of all kinds.
Let’s go local for fellow Western Massachusetts readers first:
George Lenker Beer Nut
Side Dishes
• Though most full-service restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day, many of them are nonetheless eager to help with Christmas dinner by offering pre-holiday pickup of everything from side dishes to full meals for a crowd.
The Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge is promoting heat-and-serve entree options such as stuffed pork loin, ham, carved turkey and prime rib, as well as sides like butternut squash bisque and traditional bread stuffing.
Table 3 is taking orders up until Dec. 21 at 774-2418450.
• The Delaney House and the Log Cabin Banquet and Meetinghouse are teaming up to offer six different heat-and-eat Christmas dinner packages. Choices include favorites like prime rib, a classic turkey dinner and a seafood-stuffed
Beer fans who enjoy both hiking and rewarding their treks with a tasty beverage afterward will love “Beer Hiking New England: The Tastiest Way to Discover Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.” This full-color book gives trail enthusiasts a full range of hikes for all abilities along with nearby craft beer venues to have a pint. List price is $24.99, but you can find it as low as $18.99. Next up is a stocking stuffer for beer lovers who also like to bake: Cookie cutters in the shape of a beer bottle and beer mug. Made by Ann Clark, these items can be bought separately ($7.99) or as a pair ($10.99) or even as a collection of cocktail party cookie cutters ($17.99).
Pet lovers might want a customized pint glass emblazoned with their pet’s name and photo along with the caption: “Admit it! Life would be boring without me.”
This item is available from PupSocks.com for $29.95. You can also customize the glass further with another message of your choice at the bottom.
Stanley is known for thermoses — and more recently its trendy water bottles, but beer fans can also take advantage of the company’s reputation for quality (the
As always, I try to cover a reasonable price range so you can find something without breaking the bank.
recent recall of 2.6 million travel mugs notwithstanding). Stanley’s Adventure Big Grip Beer Stein is a solid and sleek piece of drinking hardware. It’s $25 and comes in an array of colors, including such tones as matte black, stainless steel shale, azure and tiger lily, among others. It also holds a generous 24 ounces.
Regular readers will recall my appreciation for Rauchbier, and while this next gift is definitely a niche product, the Rauchbier fan on your gift list will love it. The Think Beer, Drink Beer podcast once did a joke segment called “This week in Rauchbier” and AllAboutBeer. com is offering $25 hats in honor of the April Fools Day prank. The hat simply says “Rauchbier” on the front, but the full title, “This week in Rauchbier” is surreptitiously printed on the underside of the visor. “This week in Rauchbier” beer glasses are also available for $15.
Last but certainly not least is my perennial suggestion of a gift card to a local brewery. It’s the perfect gift for craft beer fans and can be customized to serve as either a stocking stuffer or an extravagant present, depending on how much you want to spend.
A restaurant gift card is always a good option for putting under the tree. (ADOBE STOCK PHOTO)
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
Wine recommendations for all of your holiday occasions
From wrapping Christmas presents to ringing in the New Year, there's a wine you can celebrate with
LAST WEEK, I WROTE about 10 wines worth splurging on during the holiday season.
And before that, I wrote two other holiday-themed wine columns — Champagnes and sparkling wines perfect for the holidays, plus several Thanksgiving wine recommendations.
This week, I thought it might be fun to keep the holiday spirit going.
So let’s dive deeper into more holiday wines.
Normally, this might mean recommendations for Christmas Eve dinner or Hanukkah celebrations. And you can find a few of those here.
But why stop there? There are so many other activities many of us enjoy around the holidays this time of year.
There’s decorating the Christmas tree. Or wrapping presents. Or watching your favorite holiday movie for the hundredth time.
So in honor of these and many other holiday traditions, here are a few more wine recommendations for many of them.
Hope you enjoy.
For Christmas Eve dinner
Recommended wine: 2020 E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone Rouge ($14.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)
Tasting notes: Whether you’re having turkey, ham or 12 dishes on the night before Christmas, you can’t go wrong with an earthy yet elegant red wine from this outstanding winery in France’s Rhone region. They also make a great, blended dry white wine (for $18) in case you and your guests want something lighter and refreshing with fish, mushrooms, pierogies and other traditional dishes.
For Hanukkah celebrations
Recommended wine: 2023
Bousquet
($16.99 at Table & Vine)
Tasting notes: When it comes to kosher wines, Argentina’s Domaine Bousquet makes an excellent, easy-drinking red wine perfect for Hanukkah celebrations. Flavors range from fresh blueberry and cherry to plums and blackberry.
For Christmas Day dinner
Recommended wine: 2019 Chateau Angelus Tempo
D’Angelus ($40 SRP)
Tasting notes: Christmas dinners can vary widely from one family to another. For some, turkey takes center stage. For others, it’s roasted duck or goose, ham or roast beef. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a delightful, delicate red wine from France’s Bordeaux region. This particular gem comes from Bordeaux’s Saint Emilion region, and it tastes delightful with soft, round, delicate flavors, including hints of cherry and chocolate.
For wrapping presents
Recommended wine: 2023
Justin Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast ($18 SRP)
Tasting notes: I’m old school when it comes to presents. I know some people simply pop them in a gift bag and call it a day. But I prefer to wrap each present, along not with as much detail or gusto as Rowan Atkinson’s department store character in the movie “Love Actually.” So for this
particular holiday activity, I thought a light, bright refreshing California white wine from one of the state’s best wineries would be just the thing you need to go with all your masking tape, ribbons and bows.
For decorating Christmas cookies
Recommended wine: Ayala Rose Majeur Brut ($64 SRP)
Tasting notes: In between applying sprinkles, jimmies and all those other festive decorations you often find on many Christmas cookies, you need something to wash down all those cookie dough bites taken purely for quality control purposes. And what better way to wash down all those delicious, sweet flavors than with a dry rose Champagne from Ayala, an often-overlooked Champagne house. And if you don’t feel like splurging on Champagne from France’s Champagne region, a Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco will do just fine as well too.
For sitting by a fireplace
Recommended wine: 2020 Astrolabe Pinot Noir Marlborough ($26 SRP)
Tasting notes: After all that wrapping and decorating, you need some time to sit down and unwind. And what better
way to do that than by sitting in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter’s night. For this particular activity, why not enjoy a light, elegant New Zealand Pinot Noir red wine from the famed Marlborough region on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island.
For watching “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”
Recommended wine: 2022 Te Mata Gamay Noir ($30 SRP)
Tasting notes: I mentioned “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” but you could just as easily substitute any classic animated holiday show, whether it’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” All of these shows bring back so many childhood memories for so many of us. Recently, I tried this lighter, delicate Gamay Noir which is also from New Zealand and really enjoyed it. Honestly, I could probably drink a glass of cold water and still feel all warm and fuzzy inside watching any one of these three animated time capsules that still feel as fresh and alive decades later.
For watching “A Christmas Story”
Recommended wine: 2023 Robert Mondavi
Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99 at Table & Vine)
Tasting notes: Here again, insert your favorite Christmas movie, whether it’s my favorite listed above, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Elf” or a dozen other movies. Just like our favorite childhood animated specials, the best holiday movies never go out of style. So why not go with a familiar, easy-drinking California red wine from Robert Mondavi, another classic as well. Just be careful and don’t shoot your eye out, Ralphie.
For New Year’s Eve
Recommended wine: Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne ($79.99 at Table & Vine)
Tasting notes: A few weeks ago, I wrote about several Champagnes and sparkling wines for the holidays. This particular gem will always have a soft spot in my heart for many reasons. My parents gave my wife and I a bottle when we got married 12 years ago. I visited this Champagne house last year for a magical wine tasting. Plus, this Champagne simply tastes great, especially when you’re ringing in the new year! Cheers!
Domaine
Alavida Malbec
Ken Ross Wine Press
Some of the holiday wines recommended this week. (PHOTO BY KEN ROSS)
THURSDAY
Champney's Restaurant presents Holiday Music by the Fire Tonight by John Waynelovich: Thu., 9 p.m. Deerfield Inn/Champney's Restaurant. Live music in the Tavern by local keyboardist John Waynelovich. Full dinner menu available. Make reservations by calling 413-7745587, 81 Old Main St., Deerfield. 413-774-5587 or deerfieldinn.com
Fever's Candlelight Christmas Concert: Thu., 8:30 p.m. Basketball Hall of Fame, Candlelight Christmas Special featuring "The Nutcracker" and more. Tickets can be purchased at https://fever up. com/m/198870, starting at $49. 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield.
MGM Springfield Tree Lighting and Ice Rink: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield, Tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. Hours: Mon.-Tue. Closed. Wed.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m.; Fri.- Sat. 1-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Special Holiday Hours: Dec. 23, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 24, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 25, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 30, 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 31, 4-10 p.m. Jan. 1, 4-10 p.m. Walk-up sales only; tickets not available online. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
Santa's Trains at Look Park: Thu.-Sun., 4-8 p.m. Garden House, featuring the 50th anniversary of Santa's Workshop at Look Park. Santa's Trains will also run the morning of Christmas Eve, 300 North Main St., Florence. 413-5845457 or lookpark.org.
FRIDAY
Arena Civic Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol": Fri.-Sat, 7 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, $18-$20. 289 Main St., Greenfield, hawksandreed.com.
MGM Springfield Tree Lighting and Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies Coffee Social Hour: Fri., Bernardston Senior Center, third Fri. at 11 a.m., 20 Church St., Bernardston.
Rainbow LGBTQIA+ & Allies Coffee Social Hour: Fri, 1 p.m. Northampton Senior Center, Gay Men's Group meets every Fri at 1 p.m., 67 Conz St., Northampton. 413-587-1228 or northamptonseniors.com.
Santa's Trains at Look Park: See Thursday listing
SATURDAY
Arcadia Players present A Handel
Holiday Celebration: Sat., 7:30 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church-Amherst, $10-$35. 14 Boltwood Ave., Amherst
Arena Civic Theatre presents "A
Christmas Carol": See Friday listing Christmas Music Concert: Sat., 1 p.m. Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Christmas music concert presented by the West Mass Brass Band. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ken McCance at 413-659-2622 or email westmassbrass@gmail. com. To hear the band, visit http:// facebook.com/WestMassBrass, free. 1 Armory Square, Springfield. 413-734-8551 or www.nps.gov/spar.
MGM presents Christmas in the Air: Sat., 7 p.m. MGM Springfield, In the Aria Ballroom. For tickets, visit https://mgmspringfield.mgm resorts.com/en/entertainment/ aria-ballroom.html, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
MGM Springfield Tree Lighting and Ice Rink: See Thursday listing
Queer Joy Collaborative’s Winter Ball: Sat., 8 p.m. Northampton Center for the Arts. This festive event is a chance to support the LGBTQ+ community through an evening filled with vibrant performances, dancing, and community connection. Sliding scale $10 - $35, no one turned away for lack of funds. 33 Hawley St., Northampton; 413-584-7327 or www.nohoarts.org.
Santa's Trains at Look Park: See Thursday listing
SUNDAY
Arena Civic Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol": See Friday listing Hanukkah Puppet Show: Sun., 1-3 p.m. Springfield Jewish Community Center. Watch Anna Sobel's "Hanukkats" puppet show, hear a reading of a PJ Library Hanukkah book (each family receives a free copy), and nosh on latkes and applesauce. Free. 1160 Dickinson St., Springfield; 413-7394715 or springfieldjcc.org.
MGM Springfield Tree Lighting and Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Santa's Trains at Look Park: See Thursday listing
Tavern Carolers: Sun., West Springfield's Irish House Restaurant & Pub. The Irish Cultural Center presents the Tavern Carolers throughout Dec. This is a festive opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with a delicious meal in a beautifully decorated pub while listening to some of the area’s best Christmas music. Tickets are $60 for ICC patrons and $65 for general public. Ticket price includes music, three-course meal and server gratuity for food. Full bar will be open for purchase. The Dec. 22 and 23 performances feature a special visit from Santa. These include a $25/$30 kids ticket option. Learn more and purchase tickets online at irishcenterwne.org. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield.
CALENDAR
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Gingerbread in Toyland,” through Dec. 31.
In this 15th annual holiday exhibit, favorite toys and classic games will be crafted out of sugar and spice by local bakeries, residents and families, and set within a land of holiday whimsy and wonder. “The 200th Anniversary of the Springfield Republican,” through Jan. 5. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Gilded Echoes: The Tiffany Influence in Josh Simpson’s Glasswork,” through Feb. 25. “Look Again: Portraits of Daring Women” by Julie Lapping Rivera, through Feb. 23. “Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass,” through Feb. 25.
Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstfloor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museum s
Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits include spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store, as well as weekday activities. Visit ameliapark museum.org for details. Hours: Tue.-Tue., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open for groups Wed. $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members/infants
free. 29 South Broad St., Westfield or ameliaparkmuseum.org.
Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley. Free public receptions on the second Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. For more information, email artists@anchorhouseartists.org, visit anchorhouseartists.org or call 413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton Connecticut Trolley Museum: Winterfest and the “Tunnel of Lights.” Fri, Sat, Sun. through Dec. 22 with extended hours during winter vacation, Dec. 26-30. Admission ranges $16-$21 per person, and all tickets must be purchased in advance online. Museum members receive half off. 58 North Road, East Windsor or cttrolley.org.
East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit. Open every 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-3 p.m. with free admission. Guided tours are available. For more information about seasonal events, visit search Facebook for “East Longmeadow Historical Commission.” 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow
Edith Wharton The Mount: NightWood, through Jan. 4. An innovative sound and light experience. Inspired by the natural world, NightWood combines cinematic and atmospheric music, theatrical lighting, and scenic elements to create encounters that evoke wonder, delight, and mystery. $27 adults; $12 youths 13-18; free for children 12 and under. Admission is limited and timed. Reservations are required and can be made online at EdithWharton.org or 413-5515100. 2 Plunkett St., Lenox. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Permanent exhibit: Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum hours: Wed.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. “Artful Collaboration: Eric Carle & Ann Beneduce,” through March 9. “Free to Be.You and Me: 50 Years of Stories and Songs,” through April 6. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org.
Historic Deerfield: “Building a Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through Feb. 23. “In Pursuit of the Picturesque: The Art of James Wells Champney,” through Feb. 23. 80 Old Main St., Deerfield or historic-deerfield.org.
Historic Northampton Museum and Education: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m.
$5 suggested donation. 46 Bridge St., Northampton or historic-northampton.org.
Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: Featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members. 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413734-8322.
Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.-Thu. and Sun., 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or amherst.edu.
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum: “Northern Exposure: Painting from the Low Countries in the Permanent Collection,” through May 25. “Mariam Ghani: Like Water from a Stone,” through May 25. Lower Lake Road, South Hadley or mtholyoke.edu.
Norman Rockwell Museum: Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” The fee for accessing “Imagining freedom” is $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM.org. “Anita Kunz: Original Sisters Portraits of Tenacity and Courage,” through May 26. $10/$25. “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays,” through Feb. 23. $0 - $25. “Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection,” through Jan. 4. $0/$25. “Norman Rockwell’s Life and Holiday Art Guided Tours,” through Feb. 23. Tours held daily, $0-$10 in addition to Museum admission. “Curatorial Gallery Tour– See the Light: From Maxfield Parrish to Norman Rockwell,” Dec. 21, 11:30 a.m. Join exhibition Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett for an in-depth tour of a rarely exhibited collection of work by Norman Rockwell and Golden Age illustrators Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, Stanley Arthurs, Worth Brehm, and Charles Chambers. $20 plus museum admission; $10 members, 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org.
Old Sturbridge Village: Christmas by Candlelight, through Dec. 30. Running on select nights, the celebration transforms the Village into a merry wonderland, complete with festive lights, holiday music and a variety of family-friendly activities. Each evening will begin with a magical lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, visit osv.org. Route 20, Sturbridge.
shrimp casserole.
Additional side dishes are also available for order before Friday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.
Call the Log Cabin at 413535-5077 for more details.
• In addition to Christmas dinner pickup options, Lattitude Restaurant in West Springfield is offering Hanukkah Dinner Takeout from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2. Two menus are available, sweet and sour brisket and grilled Norwegian salmon; the meals also include matzo ball soup, potato latkes, noodle kugel and more.
Call Lattitude at 413-2418888 for details on menu and ordering deadlines.
• Dunkin’ has introduced some early winter specialties. Dunkin’s pastry cases are currently stocked with both Almond Croissants and Cookie Butter Donuts, the later filled with cookie butter-flavored buttercream and topped with cookie crumbles.
The drinks menu at Dunkin’ is being temporarily enhanced by Cookie Butter Cold Brew coffee, a Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte and a Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte.
A Hashbrown Brisket Scramble Bowl of hash brown potatoes and scrambled egg is garnished with shredded brisket, smoked cheddar, poblano peppers, and caramelized onions.
All these items can be enjoyed at participating Dunkin’ locations for a limited time only.
• The current sundae of the month at Friendly’s Restaurant is Rudy the Reindeer. Rudy is made with a scoop of chocolate ice cream; the sundae is garnished with pretzel antlers, candy eyes, and a cherry for a nose.
The sundae is being served at participating Friendly’s locations through the end of December.
• Though Christmas Eve is only days away, Santa has nonetheless been able to find time for a few more public appearances.
On Dec. 19 from 5-8 p.m.
he’ll be the special guest for “Dinner with Santa Claus” at the Redstone Pasta Company in East Longmeadow. He’ll be tablehopping to hear about holiday wishes and making himself available for photos. Redstone will be offering their regular dinner menu.
For more information, call the Redstone Pasta Company at 413-798-8678.
• The menu at 99 Restaurant and Pub locations this holiday season is being enhanced by a trio of limited-time lobster specials.
These include a Lobster Flatbread glazed with a garlic lemon butter sauce and topped with lobster meat, tomatoes, and cheese as well as Lobster Topped Baked Haddock finished with lobster crumb stuffing.
A surf-and-turf style New York Strip & Lobster Casserole pairing brings together a broiled New York strip steak and a Lobster Casserole baked with seasoned breadcrumbs and butter.
The seasonal dessert this December is a Salted Caramel Cheesecake; it’s topped with caramel sauce and a sprinkle
• Those who like their holiday personalities to be of the edgy sort can, on Saturday, Dec. 21, spend some time with Dr. Seuss’ loveable villain The Grinch.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day, Christopher’s Tavern in Springfield’s Sixteen Acres neighborhood will be hosting a “Brunch with The Grinch.”
The green meanie’s visit benefits the Toys for Tots campaign, so those attending are asked to bring a donation in the form of a new, unwrapped toy.
Christopher’s Tavern, which is located in the Five Town Plaza, answers at 413-3630650.
• Bright Ideas Brewing Company in Westfield is holding a Holiday Cookie Bake Off on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 1-3 p.m.
All baking skill levels can enter the competition; cookies will be judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. Members of the public will be invited to join in on the judging and cast their votes for the top three cookies.
The winner will receive a trophy, a Bright Ideas gift card, a basket of baking supplies and, of course, bragging rights.
For more details or to enter, email westfieldtaproom@ brightideas.beer.
Bright Ideas Brewing answers at 413-579-5339.
• With the approaching Christmas holiday, many restaurants, especially those of the “white tablecloth” sort, are observing special hours during the last full week of December.
of salt.
99 Restaurants can be found on Liberty Street in Springfield, on Memorial Drive in Chicopee, on Riverdale Street in West Springfield, on East Main Street in Westfield, and just off the Mohawk Trail in Greenfield.
• The Notch 8 Grille and Union Station Banquets in Northampton are offering a seasonal party experience in the form of a Bright Nights
Trolley Tour. Available for bookings until Jan. 5, 2025, the tours accommodate up to 28 passengers and include the entry fee for Bright Nights along with a holiday movie, soft drinks and popcorn while on route to the display of festive lights.
A pre fixe dinner at the Notch 8 Grille can be added to a Trolley Tour evening.
For more details, contact the Notch 8 Grille at 413-326-4151.
A few, like Mezze in Williamstown, are even shutting down for a winter vacation. Mezze plans to take nearly two weeks off, remaining dark from Dec. 15 through Dec. 28.
Other operators may choose to take a “long weekend” on one side or the other of the Dec. 25 holiday.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.
Christopher’s Tavern in Springfield’s Sixteen Acres neighborhood will be hosting a “Brunch with the Grinch” on Saturday, Dec. 21. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
Dunkin’s winter specialties include an Almond Croissant and Cookie Butter Donut, as well as a Cookie Butter Cold Brew coffee.
‘Nutcracker’
you will also find at least 100 other children on stage performing in the show.
“This is a big opportunity for these children to be on stage performing as angels, mice, little reindeer and other characters. They are all from various dance schools in the Springfield and Connecticut area,” Culpo said.
“It is every little girl’s dream to dance the role of Clara, but few go on to get the role,” she added.
Three talented ballet dancers are playing the coveted role of Clara in Springfield throughout the three performances, including McKenna Whitten from Suffield, Connecticut, who attends Dance Slipper Academy in Southwick; Riley Moritko, of Westfield, who also attends Dance Slipper Academy and
the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts in South Hadley; and Adrianna Holley, of Granby, Connecticut, who attends New England Dance Center in Granby and Westfield.
Beyond the eloquent and masterful music of Tchaikovsky — who also wrote two other beloved ballets, including “Swan Lake” and “The Sleeping Beauty” — “The Nutcracker” as performed by the Albany Berkshire Ballet includes music not heard in any other performances.
“My husband was a fantastic musician and he found a piece of music to use in the ballet that provides a segue to connect the worlds between the Mouse King being killed and Clara as she travels through the Snow Kingdom to the Kingdom of Sweets,” Culpo said. Tickets, priced a $53 and $59, are available online at symphonyhallspringfield. com.
Jake Gyllenhaal, center, and Bill Camp, right, in a scene from the series “Presumed Innocent.”
but now two more seasons are planned. Episodes stream on Hulu.
bothered with labels.
The show also has a great soundtrack. It streams on Hulu.
“Shōgun”
“Shōgun” had a triumphant first season on FX, winning a historic 18 awards at this year’s Emmys — including best drama series and best actor and actress in a drama for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. It’s set during the power struggles in feudal Japan and is based on a 1975 James Clavell novel. FX didn’t skimp on the production value, netting comparisons to “Game of Thrones.” It was originally planned as a limited series,
“Presumed Innocent”
Jake Gyllenhaal starred in his first TV series, “Presumed Innocent,” for Apple TV+. Gyllenhaal is Rusty Sabich, a Chicago prosecutor accused of killing a colleague. Gyllenhaal’s real brother-in-law, Peter Sarsgaard, plays Rusty’s adversary, another lawyer trying to prove his guilt. The story comes from a Scott Turow novel that was made into a Harrison Ford film in 1990 but doesn’t follow either to the letter. It was the streamer’s most watched drama series so far and a second season has been ordered, with Gyllenhaal staying on as an executive producer.
Our Hours for the Holidays
Sunday, December 22nd 9-4pm, Monday December 23rd 8-5pm, Tuesday December 24th 8-4pm CLOSED Wednesday December 25th and Thursday December 26th