This week’s offerings of live theater have a decidedly winter theme, as fish take to skating rinks; a snow queen appears; and a timeless Christmas classic takes to the stage. And, everyone’s favorite redhead is back singing about sunshine.
Here’s just a sampling of the reasons to brave a Capital District December this weekend.
Frozen fish?
Characters from the popular Diseny/Pixar film Finding Nemo are finding a different medium, as they take to the ice at Albany’s Times Union Center from Thursday to Sunday, Dec. 12 to 16. This is Feld Entertainment’s 25th Disney On Ice production, and clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory will be visually immersed under the water. There will also be the `super-dude` turtles Crush and Squirt; the vegetarian sharks Bruce, Chum and Anchor; and the eclectic Tank Gang from the dentist’s aquarium.
Colorful scenic elements and creative lighting effects will give the illusion of depth as well as the perspective of a vibrant and expansive ocean.
Skating numbers range from a classical jellyfish ballet to a precision skating school of moonfish, all in colorful costumes.
Performances will take place on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 12 and 13, at 7 p.m; Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $12, $19, $35 for VIP seating and $50 for rinkside and are available at the Times Union Center box office, select Price Chopper Outlets and 1-800-30-EVENT, or log onto www.timesunion.com to buy tickets.
The Times Union Center is located at 51 South Pearl St. in Albany.
The Snow Queen
For the second weekend in a row, young Gerta will try to rescue her friend from the evil snow queen in Homemade Theater’s rendition of `The Snow Queen.` It’s a theater for families production, offering up a magical adventure through forests, castles and dungeons.
HMT is at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa state park. Located just off the Avenue of the Pines in Saratoga Springs, call 587-4427 for information and tickets.
Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1 and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for children.
A different kind of carol
From Wednesday, Dec. 12, thorugh Sunday, Dec. 30, Epiphany Theater Company of Saratoga Springs will offer a version of `A Christmas Carol` with two actors and four puppets.
It stars George Deihl, who played Nils Krogstad in Epiphany’s 2006 production of `A Doll House.` Gretchen Van Lente’s puppets include a 10-foot tall Ghost of Christmas Future.
The show has been adapted by playwright James Armstrong, is a founding members of the Northwest Florida Young Playwrights Society.
The shows will take place at 153 Regents St., just off Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are $35 for adults; $20 for seniors older than 65; and $10 for students under the age of 25. For information or to purchase tickets, call 1-877-238-5596 or visit www.epiphanytheater.org
Will the sun warm us up?
She’s plucky, she’s cheerful, she’s a moptop, and kids everywhere cheer at her heroics. `Annie` is on stage at the Schenectady Light Opera Company this weekend, Dec. 14 to 16, after a successful start last week.
Emily Frank from Loudonville and Jessica Carrozzi share the role of Annie, and are joined by girls from the Capital District.
You know the sun will come out tomorrow, so head for Schenectady to see this show.
SLOC is located at 826 State St., Schenectady. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for children under 13. For information or to purchase tickets, call 1-877-7378 or by visiting www.sloctheater.org. “