This week: 'The Nutcracker' takes the stage, holiday concerts make a joyful noise and more
Mary Frances Hendrix
With thoughts on shopping and the holiday meal, Thanksgiving week might appear to be a little slower for the events calendar. But there are several opportunities for seeing live performance – including the start of the Augusta-area's "Nutcracker season" and a number of holiday concerts – as well as ongoing festive events that are perfect for an outing with family visiting from out of town. Here's an overview of things to do this week and a look ahead.
Onstage
Thanksgiving weekend in Augusta would not be complete without the chance to see Colton Ballet Company of Augusta stage "The Nutcracker." The dance company is celebrating its 50th anniversary season. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26; and at 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 27-28, at Imperial Theatre. Tickets range from $17 to $49 at www.imperialtheatre.com, at the box office open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday or by calling (706) 722-8341.
Looking ahead to next week, the Broadway in Augusta series brings in "Oklahoma!," the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical re-imagined, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Bell Auditorium. This version by Daniel Fish leaves the original score and text intact, but explores them with a 21st century perspective "to reveal the darker psychological truths at its core." Tickets start at $59.25 at aectix.com.
More:Want to dine out on Thanksgiving? These Augusta-area restaurants will be open
In concert
The Million Dollar Quartet Christmas will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Bell Auditorium. This special holiday show,part of the Broadway in Augusta Series recalls the time when Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley performed together at Sun Records. Tickets start at $43 at aectix.com.
Hear The Blackwood Quartet and Doug Church as Elvis at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, when they present Magical Christmas at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center in Evans. For tickets, visit thecenterofcc.com or call (706) 447-6767.
Online calendar:Find more local events or add your own.
Looking ahead, the 3 Redneck Tenors present their Christmas SPEC-TAC-YULE-AR concert of "classic, pop and deep-fried" musical delights. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Hardin Auditorium. Get tickets at augustaamusements.com.
The 2021 KLove Christmas Tour presents Christian music artists Casting Crowns, Mac Powell, Cain, Dante Bowen and Jordan St. Cyr for a concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Bell Auditorium. Find your seats at aectix.com.
On Saturday, Dec. 4, Augusta Choral Society will present Handel's Messiah with accompaniment by the Lyra Vivace Orchestra. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Paul's Church in downtown Augusta. Tickets are available at augustacs.org and will be available at the door.
A look ahead
Chabad of Augusta will hold its annual Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting on Monday, Nov. 29, at Evans Town Center Park. Children activities begin at 5 p.m. with the menorah lighting at 6 p.m. This community event is open to all. Learn more at Chabad.org/Hanukkah.
The Singing Christmas Tree presented each year at Abilene Baptist Church requires advance tickets picked up from the church office at 3917 Washington Road in Martinez or downloaded for a $1 fee at itickets.com. Performances are planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 and 11 and for 3 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12. Visit www.myabilene.org/sct for more information.
Ongoing
Lights of the South is open through Dec. 31 with more than 5 million colorful lights displays to dazzle visitors. Guests can view them via a walking trail or a hay ride. Pictures with Santa are also available. Located on Louisville Road off Carl Sanders Highway, it's open every day (except Christmas Day) from 6 to 10 p.m. General admission costs $16, children 3 and younger get in free, and fast passes cost $26. To buy tickets, go to lightsofthesouth.com.
Grab your skates – or plan to rent some – to enjoy the Evans on Ice pop-up rink at Evans Towne Center Park. It's open 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $12 at evansonice.com.
The Augusta Museum of History has special hours through Nov. 28 for viewing the history-themed gingerbread creations on display. Each of the pieces is available for silent auction with proceeds benefiting museum programs and exhibitions. The museum will be open Monday through Saturday (closed Thanksgiving Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.