Calendar of Events

Friday, December 9, 2016

Knoxville Children's Theatre: Godspell, Jr: The Musical

  • December 2, 2016 — December 18, 2016

Category: Kids, family, Music and Theatre

A version of the hit Broadway musical, specially adapted for children and families. The original Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award-winner, Stephen Schwartz, and it took the world by storm. Boasting a score with chart topping songs, Godspell JR. is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.

A group of disciples help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

COMPLETE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Friday 12/2 at 7 PM, Saturday 12/3 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sunday 12/4 at 3 PM, Thursday 12/8 at 7 PM, Friday 12/9 at 7 PM, Saturday 12/10 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sunday 12/11 at 3 PM, Thursday 12/15 at 7 PM, Friday 12/16 at 7 PM, Saturday 12/17 at 1 PM & 5 PM, Sunday 12/18 at 3 PM

The show will be directed and choreographed by Dennis E. Perkins, with musical direction by Paul Jones. Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.childrenstheatreknoxville.com.

Encore Theatrical Company of Morristown: Mary Poppins

  • December 2, 2016 — December 18, 2016

Category: Music and Theatre

The world’s favorite nanny flies into Morristown this holiday season as Encore Theatrical Company completes the 10th anniversary season with “Mary Poppins” December 2-18. This magical musical is practically perfect for families and all ages. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's “Mary Poppins" delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances.

Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones she has a profound effect upon. The ensemble is made up of a talented mix of actors, singers and dancers from all over the region. The production is directed by Micah-Shane Brewer, music directed by Laura Ritter, choreographed by Kody Storm Rowe, and stage managed by Amy Webb.

“Mary Poppins” will perform for three weekends with evening performances on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8:00 p.m. and matinee performances on December 4, 11, 17 and 18 at 2:00 p.m. Performances will be held in the William H. Inman Humanities Complex located on the Morristown campus of Walters State Community College at 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway in Morristown. For tickets, please visit www.etcplays.org or call 423-318-8331.

Casa Hola: Christmas Bazaar

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Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts, Free event and History, heritage

Opening on Fri Dec 2, 5-9 PM

Exhibit and sale of one-of-a-kind crafts include pinatas by Margarita Figueroa Garza and Alebrijes by Hector Saldivar.

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 1-5 PM

HoLa Hora Latina, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 112, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org

Zoo Knoxville: Buy One Get One Free Admission

Category: Festivals, special events, Kids, family and Science, nature

Zoo Knoxville is offering “Buy One, Get One Free” admission tickets during Kroger BOGO Days, December 1 through February 28, 2017.

During Kroger BOGO Days, the zoo encourages guests to discover why this is the perfect time to see animals, including red pandas, river otters, elephants, gorillas, red wolves, lions and tigers, actively enjoying the cooler weather. On days when the temperature drops below 40 degrees, some animals will be moved indoors, but visitors can still see many animals in their indoor viewing areas. The Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure is a popular indoor play area that’s an entertaining stop for creative play during winter visits as well.

Buy one, get one free tickets can be purchased at the zoo ticket window during regular zoo hours and online at zooknoxville.org. Discounted admission tickets must be used by Feb. 28, 2017, and cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, or coupon.

Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914. Open every day except Christmas. Information: 865-637-5331, www.zooknoxville.org

Appalachian Ballet Company: The Nutcracker

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Category: Dance, movement, Kids, family and Music

The Appalachian Ballet Company in their 45th season will present the annual holiday tradition - The Nutcracker. The production features live music by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. The Appalachian Ballet Company will present four public shows and two school matinees (includes K-8 curriculum guide covering common core standards). Dancing the role of the Nutcracker Prince will be Australian dancer, Aaron Smyth. This international guest artist will be partnering ballerina Kylie Morton Berry, the Sugarplum Fairy, formerly with North Carolina Dance Theatre. Both audience favorites, Smyth and Berry performed together in the spring of 2015 at the Tennessee Theatre in ABC’s production of Cinderella and in last year’s Nutcracker performance.

+ December 1 & 2 at 10 AM - Full length school matinee at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium - $6
+ December 3 at 7:30 PM and December 4 at 3 PM - Full length public performances at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
+ December 9 at 7:30 PM and December 10 at 3 PM - Full length public performances at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.

For over 100 years, this classic story has proven to be a favorite, enchanting audiences of all ages. Come see the magic with lavish scenery, glorious tutus, soldiers, snowflakes and sugar plums! For more information: 865-982-8463, www.appalachianballet.com

Knoxville Museum of Art: East TN Regional Student Art Exhibition

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Free event and Kids, family

Students, family, friends, and the public are invited to a reception and awards ceremony Tuesday, December 6, 6-8 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

The Knoxville Museum of Art and the Tennessee Art Education Association celebrates the 11th anniversary of the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition Friday. The exhibition offers middle and high school students from around East Tennessee the opportunity to participate in a juried exhibition and to display their talents and be honored for their accomplishments in a professional art museum environment. The East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition is open to students in grades 6-12, attending public, private, or home schools in 32 counties across East Tennessee. Since 2005, the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition has presented the work of nearly 3,000 students who have competed for a total of $7 million in scholarships made available to eligible juniors and seniors by colleges and universities from around the nation.

Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM, Sunday, 1-5PM. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org

Knoxville's Holidays on Ice

  • November 25, 2016 — January 8, 2017

Category: Festivals, special events and Kids, family

Knoxville's Holidays on Ice, presented by Home Federal Bank, is an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Knoxville on Market Square. Enjoy skating under Christmas lights and stars while listening to music every night. The ice rink will be closed during inclement weather, please check the Holidays on Ice Facebook page to stay updated, www.Facebook.com/KnoxvillesHolidaysonIce. For questions about Knoxville's Holidays on Ice please call 865-215-4423.

Admission price includes entry fee, skate rental and unlimited time on ice! RINK HOURS:

Regular Hours Nov. 25 - Dec. 18: Monday thru Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Extended Hours Dec. 19 - Jan. 8: Monday thru Thursday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours Christmas & New Years: Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Christmas Day Closed, December 26: 1 p.m. to 10:00p.m., New Years Eve 10 a.m. to 10:00p.m., New Years Day 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com.

Theatre Knoxville Downtown: Seasonal Allergies

Category: Comedy and Theatre

By Katherine DiSavino and Kevin Mead, directed by Sairy Martocci.

Seasonal Allergies tend to show themselves right around the holidays: do you feel a tickle in the back of your throat when you realize your vegetable dishes cooked faster than you thought, and now they're ready a full hour before the turkey will be out of the oven? Do your eyes water uncontrollably after you've nearly broken your back climbing into the attic to find the Christmas lights (and then discover that only half the strand lights up)? Do you find yourself overheated when family members decide to extend their vacation and "hang out" for a few more days in your home? Then you, my friend, have got Seasonal Allergies. And you are not alone! 9 out of 10 people have Seasonal Allergies, but nobody has a case worse than Julia Shelby and her brother Peter. So get ready to laugh away your throat tickle, and clear your sinuses with a healthy dose of Holiday Fun.

"SEASONAL ALLERGIES is a funny, heartwarming story about friends, family, and holiday stresses…this is a kinder, gentler comedy, ... a Neil Simon[-ish] family tale" – BroadwayWorld.com

"This is a delightfully funny play about a family dealing with one member in personal turmoil who comes to them seeking comfort, but turns into a monumental pain in the butt. The situation is real, the humor is real, but so is the sense of a family in turmoil trying to regain the warmth and love of the season." – Lancaster Intelligencer

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 North Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Oak Ridge Playhouse: 1940's Radio Hour

Category: Theatre

Just before Christmas 1942, a seedy little New York radio station—WOV—takes to the air to record a broadcast of The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade for the troops overseas. As the harassed producer copes with the lead singer who is often drunk, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad, the sexy chanteuse who drives the men wild, and the delivery boy who just wants to be on the air, the show bursts forth with the rhythm and stomp of the big band sound.

Showtimes
Thu Nov 24, 2016 | 8:00PM
Fri Nov 25, 2016 | 8:00PM
Sat Nov 26, 2016 | 8:00PM
Fri Dec 2, 2016 | 8:00PM
Sat Dec 3, 2016 | 8:00PM
Sun Dec 4, 2016 | 2:00PM
Fri Dec 9, 2016 | 8:00PM
Sat Dec 10, 2016 | 8:00PM

Sun Dec 11, 2016 | 2:00PM
Oak Ridge Playhouse, 227 Broadway, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Information and tickets: 865-482-9999, www.orplayhouse.com

Clarence Brown Theatre: A Christmas Carol

Category: Kids, family and Theatre

With a brand new look, stunning costumes, traditional carols, an adaptation guaranteed to enrich your holiday season, PLUS $10 tickets for children 5 to 12, “A Christmas Carol,” returns to the Clarence Brown mainstage. At each performance, patrons can enhance the experience by enjoying special holiday treats at the concession stand and taking pictures with “Scrooge and Tiny Tim” in a new, specially designed photo experience which will be stationed in the main lobby. The $10 children’s tickets can only be purchased by calling or stopping by the Box Office at 865-974-5161.

A Pay What You Wish Preview performance, where patrons can name their own price, will be held Wednesday, November 23 from Noon to 7 pm at the theatre. A Talk Back with the actors will take place Sunday, December 4 following the matinee. Deaf Night @ the Theatre, where all patron interactions including the performance is interpreted in American Sign Language, will take place Sunday, December 4 at 7:30 pm. On Tuesday, December 6 at the CBT Family Feast, families can attend dinner at 6:00 pm and then see the show for only $10. The Open Captioned performance is Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 pm. Patrons can join the Clarence Brown Theatre Society (CBTS) and take part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour on December 11 following the matinee. For more information on the various engagement events listed above, please contact the Box Office at 865-974-5161. To join the CBTS, please visit http://clarencebrowntheatre.com/support-us/cbt-society/.

In “A Christmas Carol,” miserly boss, Ebenezer Scrooge (whose name is now synonymous with greed and stinginess), is forced to face the true cost of his behavior in a series of supernatural visits from ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future.

Clarence Brown Mainstage, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com. For tickets: 865-974-5161, 865-656-4444, www.knoxvilletickets.com

Oak Ridge Art Center: The Art of the Crèche IV

  • November 19, 2016 — January 9, 2017

Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Fine Crafts and Free event

Folk Art Nativities from Around the World, from of a private collection of nativities, hand crafted crèche in a myriad of techniques and materials by folk artists from many countries.

Holiday Reception: Sunday, December 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. with a hands-on "make and take" for artists of all ages.

Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tu-F 9-5, Sa-M 1-4. Information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org

East Tennessee History Center: Rock of Ages

Category: Exhibitions, visual art and History, heritage

The public opening of the exhibition begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18, with light refreshments and remarks. Following the exhibition opening will be a special showing of “Quarry Project—Tennessee,” an exterior projection by artists Kate Katomski and Judd Mulkerin at 7:00 p.m. at the Knoxville Museum of Art.

East Tennessee marble is prized the world over. Rock of Ages: East Tennessee’s Marble Industry, a new exhibition by the East Tennessee Historical Society, offers a first-time look into the industry that launched the rock’s fame and crowned Knoxville as the Marble City.

The marble industry was once an important sector of East Tennessee’s economy. By the mid- 1850s, East Tennessee marble from Knox County had been chosen for the interiors of the Tennessee State Capitol and marble from Hawkins County was being installed inside the new House and Senate wings of the United States Capitol. In the decades that followed, East Tennessee’s varicolored marble was sought by architects and patrons for the interiors of a variety of public buildings: state capitol buildings, courthouses, city halls. Tennessee marble would soon also be ordered for high traffic railroad terminal flooring across the United States and Canada. The exhibition includes more than two dozen artifacts and numerous photographs and illustrations representative of Tennessee’s unique marble story.

East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Museum hours: M-F 9-4, Sa 10-4, Su 1-5. Information: 865-215-8824, www.easttnhistory.org

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