Christmas at Augustana and An Ambrosian ChristmasMusic

Christmas at Augustana

Centennial Hall

Friday, December 5, 8 p.m., and Saturday, December 6, 4 p.m.

 

An Ambrosian Christmas

Christ the King Chapel

Saturday, December 6, 7 p.m.

 

Augustana College's seasonal celebration Christmas at Augustana, showcasing numerous students from the school's choirs, will be held on December 5 at 8 p.m. and December 6 at 4 p.m.

St. Ambrose University's seasonal celebration An Ambrosian Christmas, showcasing numerous students from the school's choirs, will be held on December 6 at 8 p.m.

You know what that means, right? There's no need to choose between these events at institutions separated by a river - they've been scheduled so we can attend both! It's like the Christmas truce of World War I all over again! And exactly 100 years later, to boot!

This uncompetitive spirit is all the more gratifying because, really, who'd want to miss either program? Christmas at Augustana, which will be held in Augie's Centennial Hall, will shower crowds with hymns and holiday standards performed by the Augustana Choir, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Cantilena Augustana, the Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, the Wennerberg Men's Chorus, the Augustana Brass Ensemble, and the Handbell Choir, collectively encompassing the talents of some 250 student musicians.

And in St. Ambrose's Christ the King Chapel, An Ambrosian Christmas will tell the Christ story through biblical readings matched with familiar carols performed by the school's choirs, and will also feature the percussive Nigerian carol "Bethlehemu," a Spanish dance boasting Chamber Singers soloists, a world-premiere piece composed by St. Ambrose's Bill Campbell, and hot chocolate served at the post-concert reception.

To help get in the spirit for these area traditions, let's test your knowledge of holiday-song chronology! Try matching the following seasonal titles with the year (or widely presumed year) they debuted.

 

1) "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

2) "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

3) "Joy to the World"

4) "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"

5) "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

6) "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"

 

A) 1719

B) 1739

C) 1841

D) 1849

E) 1868

F) 1979

 

 

For more information on Christmas at Augustana, call (309)794-7306 or visit Augustana.edu. Further info on An Ambrosian Christmas, meanwhile, is available by calling (563)333-6251 or visiting SAU.edu.

 

 

Answers: 1 - E, 2 - C, 3 - A, 4 - D, 5 - B, 6 - F. Regarding that last one, it just feels like we've been hearing it forever.

 

 

Suzy BoggussMusic

Suzy Bogguss' Swingin' Little Christmas Show

Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center

Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.

 

Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show

Adler Theatre

Sunday, December 7, 7:30 p.m.

 

Two country-music stars are set to entertain Quad Cities audiences over the same weekend, as Grammy winner (and Aledo, Illinois, native) Suzy Bogguss lands at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center on December 5, and chart-topper Trace Adkins hits the Adler Theatre stage on December 7. But neither of these longtime fan favorites should sweat it if the country thing ever stops working for them. Based on the shows local audiences will soon be treated to, it appears that both Bogguss and Adkins can always fall back on successful careers as Santa's helpers!

Trace AdkinsBogguss, who plays the Bettendorf venue in a concert event titled Suzy Bogguss' Swingin' Little Christmas Show, began her solo career in the '80s, and ended the decade by winning the Academy of Country Musics "Top New Female Vocalist" citation and the Country Music Association's Horizon Award. Since then, she's released the platinum-selling Aces and the gold-selling Voices in the Wind and Greatest Hits, and her repertoire of hit singles features the top-10-charting "Outbound Plane," "Letting Go," "Drive South," "Just Like the Weather," and "Hey, Cinderella."

Meanwhile, Adkins - who will perform in Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show in Davenport - has found his albums selling more than 10 million units collectively, with the artist's number-one singles including "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," "Ladies Love Country Boys," "You're Gonna Miss This," and "Hillbilly Bone." He's also a member of the legendary Grand Ole Opry and spokesperson for the Wounded Warriors, and his TV victory on NBC's All-Star Celebrity Apprentice raised more than $1.5 million for the American Red Cross.

You may know all this. But did you know that both country stars have also released successful collections of holiday tunes - Bogguss with Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Adkins with The King's Gift? If so, let's see what else you know! Which of the following holiday tracks appear on Bogguss' Christmas album, and which are on Adkins'?

 

1) "Jingle Bells"

2) "Away in a Manger"

3) "Through Your Eyes"

4) "What Child Is This?"

5) "I Saw Three Ships"

6) "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

7) "O Holy Night"

 

A) Trace Adkins

B) Suzy Bogguss

 

 

For tickets to Suzy Bogguss' Swingin' Little Christmas Show, call (800)843-4753 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com. Trace Adkins: The Christmas Show tickets are available by calling (800)745-3000 or visiting AdlerTheatre.com.

 

 

Answers: 1 - B, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - A, 5 - A, 6 - B, 7 - A and B. Man, if the composer of that last tune hadn't passed away 158 years ago, he'd be rollin' in royalties!

 

 

'Twas the Night Before ChristmasTheatre

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse

Friday, November 28, through Saturday, December 27

 

The Cat in the Hat

Galvin Fine Arts Center

Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7

 

A pair of theatrical productions designed specifically for children will be opening locally over the next couple of weeks: the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, running November 28 through December 27, and St. Ambrose University's The Cat in the Hat, running December 6 and 7. But you shouldn't feel at all torn over which one to bring the kids to - I say take 'em to both! Heck, I spent half my young life at the theatre and I turned out fi- ... .

Wait! Wait! Come back! Bad example!

The Cat in the Hat'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the first full-length family show written by Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig, a longtime veteran of stage farces known for such comedies as Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo, and Leading Ladies. Directed by Kimberly Furness, Circa '21's latest charmer follows the adventures of a family whose home Santa accidentally skipped the previous year, it features original music by Aaron Randolph III and choreography by Andrea Moore, and the terrifically talented Emily Baker, Brad Hauskins, Janos Horvath, Allison Nock, and Daniel Rairdin-Hale compose its terrific cast.

But Rairdin-Hale is actually performing double the holiday duties this season, because he's also the director of St. Ambrose's stage version of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat. (Additional crossover-fun fact: Circa '21 director Furness is a St. Ambrose alum!) Originally adapted by Katie Mitchell for a successful 2009 run at London's National Theatre, this take on the timeless rhyming tale features all manner of verbal and visual slapstick, casts the excellent Chris Galván as the Cat, and completes its ensemble with student talents Helene DeVine, Amelia Fischer, Sam Jones, Kayla Lansing, Robert Poston, Shannon Rourke, Rachael Pribulsky, and Brooke Schelly.

As a primer on what you can expect in these cheerful presentations - and as a way to impress your kids with your children's-show smarts - check out the following list of plot points and decide: Does this happen in The Cat in the Hat or 'Twas the Night Before Christmas?

 

1) Kites are flown inside a house.

2) Santa's sleigh gets sold to Walmart.

3) The character Amos visits his twin brother Amos.

4) Kids play the game "Fun in a Box."

5) Someone juggles a fish while balancing a cup on his head.

6) A mouse is shown stirring ... cookie batter.

7) It all ends with tequila shooters.

 

A) The Cat in the Hat

B) 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

 

 

For tickets to 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (with scheduled performances at 10 a.m. and noon), call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com, and for tickets to The Cat in the Hat (with both shows at 3 p.m.), call (563)333-6251 or visit SAU.edu/galvin.

 

 

Answers: 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - B, 4 - A, 5 - A, 6 - B, 7 - neither. That's what happens at my annual Christmas party. Maybe don't bring the kids.

 

 

What Else Is Happenin'

MUSIC

Wednesday, November 26 - A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Holiday show with the Grammy-winning classical and rock musicians, in a Broadway at the Adler presentation. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $39-65. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.

Friday, November 28 - Family Groove Company. Jazz, funk, and rock musicians in concert, with an opening set by Earth Ascending. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 9 p.m. $11.50-14. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Saturday, November 29 - Stayin' Alive: A Tribute to the Bee Gees. Disco concert with the touring tribute musicians. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center (2021 State Street, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $20. For information, call (800)843-4753 or visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.

Saturday, November 29 - Minus Six. Piano-pop and rock musicians in concert, with an opening set by Marbin. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $7.50. For tickets and information, call (563)326-1333 or visit RiverMusicExperience.org.

Saturday, November 29 - A Branson Classic Country Christmas. Music and comedy in the touring holiday celebration. Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt Street, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $13-25. For tickets and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.

Sunday, November 30 - Jim McDonough: Holiday Grande 2014. Christmas concert with "Iowa's Own Pianist." Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 2:30 p.m. $29-41. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.

Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7 - Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks III: A Musical Showcase. Mark Russell Smith conducts a world premiere by David Gompper, Saint-Saens' Romance for Horn & Orchestra, Haydn's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon, & Orchestra, Ravel's Introduction & Allegro for Harp, and Mozart's Symphony No. 40. Saturday: Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport), 8 p.m., $15.35-66.35. Sunday: Augustana College's Centennial Hall (3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island), 2 p.m., $13.50-39.50. For tickets and information, call (563)322-7276 or visit QCSymphony.com.

Saturday, December 6 - The Schwag. Grateful Dead tribute artists in concert. Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second Avenue, Rock Island). 9:30 p.m. For information, call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.

Saturday, December 6 - Celtic Christmas with IrishJam. Holiday music, Irish tunes, and storytelling with the touring artists. Iowa Theatre Artists Company (4709 220th Trail, Amana). 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $10-15. For tickets and information, call (319)622-3222 or visit IowaTheatreArtists.org.

Tuesday, December 9 - Ben Sidran: There Was a Fire - The History of Jews in Modern Music. Songwriter, historian, and musician hosts a one-man performance and lecture based on his recent book, in a program in the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities' "Jews Rock" series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $8-10. For information, call (309)793-1300 or visit JFQC.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.

Tuesday, December 9 - Schwervon! New York-based rock duo in concert. Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $5-10. For information, call (309)200-0978 or visit RozzTox.com.

Wednesday, December 10 - The Ben Sidran Quartet. The pianist's ensemble in a program in the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities' "Jews Rock" series. The Redstone Room (129 Main Street, Davenport). 7:30 p.m. $5-25. For information, call (309)793-1300 or visit JFQC.org or RiverMusicExperience.org.

Wednesday, December 10 - Danú: A Christmas Gathering - Feile Na Nollag. Holiday concert with the Celtic musicians, in a Hancher Auditorium Visiting Artists presentation. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 7:30 p.m. $10-40. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit Englert.org or visit http://www.Hancher.UIowa.edu.

 

THEATRE

Friday, November 28, through Sunday, December 14 - A Christmas Carol. Tim Budd performs Charles Dickens' holiday tale as a one-man show, directed by Ron Clark. Riverside Theatre (213 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City). Thursdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. $18-30. For tickets and information, call (319)338-7672 or visit RiversideTheatre.org.

Thursday, December 4, through Sunday, December 7 - A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol. Quad City Music Guild's holiday-themed musical-comedy follow-up to The 1940s Radio Hour, directed by Tom Morrow. Prospect Park Auditorium (1584 34th Avenue, Moline). Thursday through Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $11-16. For tickets and information, call (309)762-6610 or visit QCMusicGuild.com.

Friday, December 5, through Saturday, December 13 - Annie. Tony-winning musical comedy presented by a mostly student cast. Center for Living Arts (2008 Fourth Avenue, Rock Island). Fridays 7 p.m., Saturdays 2 and 7 p.m. $10.50. For tickets and information, call (563)340-7816 or visit CenterForLivingArts.org.

Friday, December 5, through Saturday, December 13 - Striking 12. Brendan Milburn's, Rachel Sheinkin's, and Valerie Vigoda's holiday-themed version of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl, directed by John Cameron. University of Iowa's E.C. Mabie Theatre (200 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City). Wednesday through Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. $10-18. For tickets and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit Theatre.UIowa.edu.

 

DANCE

Friday, December 5, through Sunday, December 7 - The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky's holiday ballet classic performed by students of the Nolte Academy of Dance. Englert Theatre (221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 and 6:30 p.m. $16-28. For tickets and information, call (319)688-2653 or visit Englert.org.

 

COMEDY

Friday, November 28 - The Candidates: A Comedy Debate. Andrew King and Devon Wiese stage a debate between two fictitious politicians, with the audience asking questions and voting on the winner. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8:30 p.m. $10-12. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.

Tuesday, December 2 - Chonda Pierce. Platinum-selling Christian comedienne on tour, accompanied by Grammy-winning musician Jason Crabb. Adler Theatre (136 East Third Street, Davenport). 7 p.m. $27-55. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit AdlerTheatre.com.

 

KIDS' STUFF:

Saturday, November 29, through Saturday, December 13 - Junie B. Jones in "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells." Family musical adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park. Old Creamery Theatre (39 38th Avenue, Amana). Saturdays at 10 a.m., November 29 at 1 p.m., December 11 at 7 p.m. $8.50-9. For tickets and information, call (319)622-6262 or visit OldCreamery.com.

Thursday, December 4, through Sunday, December 7 - Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy. All-new stage show featuring characters from Toy Story, Cars, The Little Mermaid, and more. i wireless center (1201 River Drive, Moline). Thursday through Saturday 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Sunday 1 and 5 p.m. $13-53. For tickets, call (800)745-3000 or visit iwirelessCenter.com.

 

EVENTS

Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6 - Thru the Stones. Convention and book signing with Outlander series author Diana Gabaldon and actor Dougal MacKenzie of Starz's Outlander TV series, with classes, presentations, activities, and a Saturday Scottish-themed dinner and concert. Davenport RiverCenter (136 East Third Street, Davenport). $235-250 two-day pass. For tickets and information, call (309)526-8762 or visit ThruTheStones.com.

Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6 - Christmas in the Village. Annual holiday celebration featuring living store windows, live music throughout the village, animals, a Nativity scene, and a special appearance from Santa. Village of East Davenport. 6-9 p.m. Free. For information, visit VillageOfEastDavenport.com.

Saturday, December 6 - Bottom's Up Quad City Burlesque: A Burlesque Before Christmas. Toys for Tots fundraising performance with the area burlesque artists and comedians. Circa '21 Speakeasy (1818 Third Avenue, Rock Island). 8 p.m. $10-20 with an unwrapped toy for donation. For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733 extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.

Sunday, December 7 - A 19th-Century Christmas. Annual holiday event at the center and the Deere-Wiman House, featuring live music, holiday trimmings, homespun arts and crafts, children's activities, and more. Butterworth Center (1105 Eighth Street, Moline). Free admission. For information, call (309)743-2700 or visit ButterworthCenter.com.

 

Also visit "What's Happenin': Winter 2014-15."

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