The festive holiday season is upon us with all of its joy and stress and tradition and stress and significance and stress impacting lives in myriad ways. The arts can contribute to the positive aspects experienced during this festive season, while also alleviating the accompanying tensions. Not only can the arts enhance the joy, traditions, and significance of Christmas, but they can also aid in lessening some of the burdens one may encounter while striving to achieve the somewhat unrealistic goal of assuring that this year’s celebration is “the best Christmas ever.” And Darke County Center for the Arts is here to help.
Rather than adding a soon-to-be obsolescent object to a child’s toybox, why not give them a timeless gift with universal appeal? DCCA’s Family Theatre Series has been enriching lives through the magic of theatre for the past twenty years; generations of children who have delighted in the wonders that unfold onstage at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall continue to revel in the memories of those wondrous moments. Tickets to these productions are just $5, making them affordable as stocking stuffers and appealing as gifts that will continue to resonate beyond the hectic holiday season.
DCCA’s remaining Family Theatre presentations include Theatreworks USA’s production of Charlotte’s Web, which will be performed on Sunday, February 18; boys and girls alike enthusiastically embrace the beloved characters and engaging story created by E. B. White. Mermaid Theatre’s Guess How Much I Love You will be presented on Sunday, April 8; children of all ages will watch in awe as this award winning classic comes to life before their very eyes. And the tidings of comfort and joy found within these productions will extend the holiday spirit throughout the year and beyond.
DCCA also can provide attractive stocking stuffers for adults; Coffeehouse Series tickets are only $10, and two exciting yet intimate performances remain on the schedule. “Six Guitars” features actor/musician Chase Padgett performing as six different guitar players, each with a distinct voice, view, and musical style; his show will be at The Bistro Off Broadway on Thursday, February 22. Singer/songwriter Jill Jack will fill the charming confines of Arcanum Historical Society’s Wayne Trail House with her emotive songs and delightful personality on Thursday, May 3. These eclectic down-home uptown concerts with a welcoming social vibe create lovely nights to remember throughout the year.
Additionally, you might invite friends and loved ones to party with DCCA at one of their festive FUNdraisers at Montage Cafe. “A Taste of Wine and Jazz” will feature wines paired with delectable food and exceptional entertainment on Friday, January 19; “Irish Wave” on Friday, March 16 will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-themed food, authentic music, and craft beers for the tasting. These events are so much fun that you probably should attend yourself; tickets to keep or give cost $35.
DCCA’s Artists Series also offers opportunity for extraordinary gifting at an excellent price. Bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent and her band The Rage will perform at St. Clair Memorial Hall on Saturday, January 20; tickets cost $25. However, you should act fast as very few tickets to see this amazing award-winning act remain. DCCA’s season closes on Saturday, May 19 with a performance by the skilled musicians who make up the Toledo Symphony Orchestra playing songs of Broadway and more as they accompany special guest Connor Bogart, known for his ability to ably sing almost everything from Guns ‘N’ Roses to Puccini; tickets for this show which can spread the joyful spirit of the holiday season to the brink of summer are $35. (Student tickets for Artists Series performances are half price.)
And that’s not all; for every $5 you spend with DCCA prior to December 15, you will earn an opportunity to Win the Window, Main Street Greenville’s fabulous prize for local shoppers. To let DCCA help you spread the joy of Christmas throughout several seasons, stop by their office in Greenville Public Library or contact them at 937-547-0908 or [email protected].
