Kimmel Center Announces Holiday Programming And Community Service Opportunities This Season
By: Julie Musbach Nov. 14, 2018
Spend the holiday season on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, with themed programming and family-friendly activities, including: returning favorites spanning rock, Gospel, jazz, and brass; treasured traditions from various Kimmel Center Resident Companies like the Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and The Philly POPS; and opportunities for holiday community service and city-wide celebrations.
"We invite our Philadelphia community to join us for transformative arts experiences on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus this season," said Anne Ewers, President & CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. "Together with our Resident Companies, we want to be your home for holiday happenings - presenting programs for differing ages and tastes, as well as opportunities to serve our fellow Philadelphians and enjoy the reason for the season."
The holidays at the Kimmel Center kick off on Tuesday, November 20 with the annual WMGK Turkey Drop; hosted in partnership with John DeBella and set up in front of the Kimmel Center, all are invited to bring monetary or frozen turkey donations in support of Cityteam, ensuring fellow Philadelphians will receive a Thanksgiving meal this year. Free hot chocolate will be provided by Garces Events. Stop by the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Merriam Theater November 12 through December 27 to donate new winter apparel to the 18th Annual Warmth in Winter drive, in partnership with Councilperson Blondell Reynolds Brown and the Urban Affairs Coalition. Tune in to the 6ABC Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22 for appearances from upcoming Broadway Philadelphia 2018-19 shows, including Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; The Lightning Thief; Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella; Miss Saigon; and Anastasia. Plus, join us in cheering on the Kimmel Center's Resident Company, PHILADANCO; Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton) as she performs with the POPS little BIG Band; and former Kimmel Center musical theater ShowStopper and American Idol alum Michael Woodard. Don't forget to schedule in some quality family time in our Commonwealth Plaza amongst our winter wonderland - it's a multicultural holiday celebration!
Returning programs include: The Rock School for Dance Education's Nutcracker 1776 from November 23 - 24; three-time Grammy Award winner Brian Setzer for a second consecutive year with his 19-piece band to perform seasonal hits in The Brian Setzer Orchestra's 15th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour on November 24, as well as international sensation Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis on December 1. The annual tradition A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season continues December 1 - 22, while Pennsylvania Ballet performs George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, December 7 - 31. A Soulful Christmas, the annual evening of Gospel music and messages, featuring honoree Dottie Peoples, is back December 11, led by Artistic & Music Director Dr. J. Donald Dumpson. The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia presents A Cole Christmas on December 15, alongside special guest Freddy Cole; and The Skivvies return December 6 - 8, baring almost all in their holiday show, I Touch My Elf.
The Philadelphia Orchestra has several holiday performances, kicking off in late November with Copland Appalachian Spring, and running through December with Yannick Conducts Messiah; Amahl and the Night Visitors; Organ and Brass Christmas; Christmas Kids' Spectacular Family Concert; The Glorious Sound of Christmas; and their annual New Year's Eve celebration. Continuing into the New Year, the Orchestra presents three performances of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II.
From page to stage comes Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Broadway's #1 holiday hit. Running December 19 - 29, this show will be the first ever Broadway Philadelphia production to have a sensory-friendly performance - taking place at the Merriam Theater on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11 a.m.
FREE activities at the Kimmel Center continue through the holiday season. The monthly Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ demonstration in Verizon Hall on December 8 will feature Rudy Lucente and an array of holiday favorites. Annual tradition Tuba Christmas returns December 16 with two performances featuring over 100 of the Philadelphia region's tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players sharing everyone's favorites carols. Pre-New Year's celebrations return with Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert on December 29. Celebrate the start of 2019 at the Kimmel Center with a day of FREE family fun during the annual New Year's Day Celebration on January 1 - enjoy the Mummer's Parade from the best views on Broad Street, the hot chocolate bar from Garces Events, as well as activities and performances all day long.
Details on holiday programming throughout the 2018-19 season can be found below.
18TH ANNUAL WARMTH IN WINTER DRIVE
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Academy of Music, and Merriam Theater
November 12 - December 27, 2018
Stop by the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Merriam Theater November 12 through December 27 to donate new winter apparel to the 18th Annual Warmth in Winter drive, in partnership with Councilperson Blondell Reynolds Brown and the Urban Affairs Coalition. The drive collects new hats, scarves, and gloves for Philadelphia's youth in our city's shelter system.
WMGK TURKEY DROP
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
November 20, 2018
Join the fun during the annual WMGK Turkey Drop, hosted in partnership with John DeBella and set up in front of the Kimmel Center. All are invited to bring monetary or frozen turkey donations in support of Cityteam, ensuring fellow Philadelphians will receive a Thanksgiving meal this year. Free hot chocolate will be provided by Garces Events.
6ABC THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Parkway
November 22, 2018
Tune in to the 6ABC Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22 for appearances from upcoming Broadway Philadelphia 2018-19 shows, including Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; The Lightning Thief; Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella; Miss Saigon; and Anastasia. Join us in cheering on the Kimmel Center's Resident Company, PHILADANCO; Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton) as she performs with the POPS little BIG Band; and former Kimmel Center musical theater ShowStopper and American Idol alum Michael Woodard.
COPLAND APPALACHIAN SPRING
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
November 23 - 24, 2018
You may think you know Appalachian Spring, but the newly completed version performed here is the complete chamber ballet score orchestrated for a large ensemble. (Eugene Ormandy himself asked Copland to expand the orchestration a half century ago.) Consider it our "simple gift" to you! Our good friend Cristian Mãcelaru leads this all-American program. He's arranged a suite from Jake Heggie's opera Moby Dick ("a masterpiece of clarity and intensity"-San Francisco Chronicle). Garrick Ohlsson brings his impressive talent to the Barber Piano Concerto, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1963.
NUTCRACKER 1776
The Rock School for Dance Education
Merriam Theater
November 23 - 24, 2018
The Rock School for Dance Education returns to Broad Street to inaugurate another Holiday Season with our acclaimed Nutcracker 1776. The Sugar Plum Fairy enchants with her beautiful technical artistry as audiences are transported from 'Olde City Tavern' to the 'Land of Sweets' in our Revolutionary take on Tchaikovsky's holiday classic The Nutcracker. Our story is led by Ben Franklin with guest luminaries from the American Revolution-weaving this magical tapestry together as young Abbey and Johnny embark on their twilight adventure-featuring a grand battle scene with General Mouse Howe followed by exquisite dancing performed by local and international students with extraordinary talent. Don't miss Philadelphia's 1st Nutcracker (est. 1776)!
Brian Setzer ORCHESTRA'S 15TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ROCKS! TOUR
Kimmel Center Presents
Academy of Music
November 24, 2018
The iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra whip up a huge dose of retro holiday cheer with their 15th Anniversary Christmas Rocks! Tour presented by SiriusXM. The acclaimed show also features music from their four best-selling holiday albums, as well as original Brian Setzer hits. Consistently cited as one of the world's greatest living guitarists, Setzer's trademark guitar work and vocal stylings are matched with the Brian Setzer Orchestra's rockin' big-band horn arrangements-an unbeatable combination guaranteed to rock you into the holiday spirit!
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY Chip Davis
Kimmel Center Presents
Academy of Music
December 1, 2018
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, now in its 31st year, is still met by sold-out audiences and was one of the top 20 concert tours in the nation last year. This year Mannheim Steamroller's two touring ensembles will hold over 90 performances throughout the United States. Grammy Award winner Davis will direct and co-produce the performances with MagicSpace Entertainment. The shows will feature the favorite Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state-of-the-art multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
A PHILLY POPS CHRISTMAS: SPECTACULAR SOUNDS OF THE SEASON!
The Philly POPS
Verizon Hall
December 1 - 22, 2018
Philadelphia's incredible holiday tradition is back! Broadway legend Todd Ellison takes the baton for an all-new repertoire of your favorite holiday classics. Fresh from his Tony-nominated An American in Paris stint, Ellison brings his trademark sophistication and style to the POPS. This holiday season features Hamilton's Mandy Gonzalez, who rocked Philly's Independence Week 2017 with moments from her Broadway hit In the Heights and Frozen and stunned the Parkway with her stirring "This Land is Your Land". The Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the award-winning African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, and the Philadelphia Boys Choir add cheer, spirit, and splendor to the over 300-performer presentation. Presented by KeyBank.
*Sensory-friendly performance - Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 8 p.m.
I TOUCH MY ELF - THE SKIVVIES: Lauren Molina & Nick Cearley
Kimmel Center Presents
SEI Innovation Studio
December 6 - 8, 2018
Ring in the holidays with The Skivvies for a night of eclectic seasonal tunes and comedic, genre-hopping mashups. Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley not only strip down the arrangements - cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica - but the Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform. It's the perfect combination of naughty and nice: undie-rock at its finest. Featured in People Magazine's Hottest Bodies Issue and as Sports Illustrated's Favorite New Band, the Skivvies' award-nominated live shows feature celebrity special guests having wild fun, packed with big voices and crazy harmonies. But no pants.
YANNICK CONDUCTS MESSIAH
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
December 6, 8, and 9, 2018
Handel's immortal oratorio as you've never experienced it! One of music's greatest Christmas traditions comes to life, with Yannick Nézet-Séguin leading a brilliant array of singers and musicians. Soloists include the exciting Baroque specialist Carolyn Sampson, lyrical countertenor Christophe Dumaux, the versatile Jonas Hacker, and the brilliant Philippe Sly, beautifully supported by the Westminster Symphonic Choir. Hallelujah!
ORGAN DEMONSTRATION
Free at the Kimmel
Verizon Hall
December 8, 2018
Join us for a very special Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ demonstration as part of our FREE Kimmel Center tour! Once a month, our 1pm tour will start with a 15-minute organ demonstration of the instrument's unparalleled and dramatic sounds LIVE in Verizon Hall. Together with our partners at The American Guild of Organists, we're excited to expand our popular tours to include this unique experience. December's organ demonstration will feature organist Rudy Lucente playing holiday favorites we all know and love.
George Balanchine'S THE NUTCRACKER
Pennsylvania Ballet
Academy of Music
December 7 - 31, 2018
What would the holidays be without George Balanchine's The Nutcracker? Whether it's your first or thirty-first time seeing Pennsylvania Ballet's production of the classic, watching the timeless story brought to life is always a delight. From a festive family party, to the exciting battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and the delectable journey through the Land of Sweets, Marie's magical story is thrilling for the young - and young at heart.
*Sensory-friendly performance - Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 12 p.m.
A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS WITH SPECIAL GUEST DOTTIE PEOPLES
Kimmel Center Presents
Verizon Hall
December 11, 2018
The annual A Soulful Christmas returns this winter with an inspiring, uplifting communal gathering of regional choristers, performing holiday spirituals and gospel favorites! Lights go out as thousands of people hold flashlights and sing "Silent Night". There is no better way to feel the Christmas spirit.
Get excited to share the Christmas message of goodwill toward humankind! With Artistic & Music Director: Dr. J. Donald Dumpson.
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
December 13 and 15, 2018
Bramwell Tovey brings his delightful spirit to this charming program that's just right for kids of all ages. Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra is surely the most enjoyable music-appreciation class ever, especially under Tovey's enchanted baton (he also delivers the captivating narration). Once an annual staple on network television, Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the story of Christmas through a shepherd boy's encounter with the Magi, as they journey to meet a miraculous newborn child. You'll never forget this mystical encounter. The program kicks off with the royally inspired Crown Imperial for orchestra and organ.
ORGAN AND BRASS CHRISTMAS
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
December 14, 2018
The virtuosity of the amazing Philadelphia Orchestra brass section joins forces with the magnificent Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ to celebrate the holidays. This incredible combination of sounds will feature music spanning hundreds of years, from the Renaissance to today's beloved carols. Enjoy the infinite combinations of colors and textures of this ensemble and sing along with your favorite holiday melodies.
CHRISTMAS KIDS' SPECTACULAR FAMILY CONCERT
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
December 15, 2018
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so deck the halls and dash through the snow to Verizon Hall for a festive celebration! The Philadelphia Orchestra's annual Christmas Kids' Spectacular will fill your stockings with the favorite sounds of the season, including Sleigh Ride, A Holly and Jolly Sing-Along, and excerpts from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker.
JAZZ ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA - A COLE CHRISTMAS
Kimmel Center Presents
Perelman Theater
December 15, 2018
Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia (JOP) is dedicated to presenting the highest quality jazz to the greatest number of people designed to preserve, represent and continue Philadelphia's unique, rich jazz sound and tradition. JOP aims to become the face of Philadelphia jazz, establishing the city as a nationally and internationally recognized destination for jazz performance. This program will include a special appearance by singer Freddy Cole and in continuing a new Philly tradition, we'll hear Ellington's & Strayhorn's Harlem Nutcracker.
TUBA CHRISTMAS
Free at the Kimmel
Commonwealth Plaza
December 17, 2018, 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - FREE
There's nothing more comforting than hearing the holiday classics. This December, the holidays come to life as more than 100 regional tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players join together in a free performance for people of all ages. 2018 marks the 44th anniversary for Tuba Christmas concerts/events which are presented throughout the world!
Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
Broadway Philadelphia
Merriam Theater
December 19 - 29, 2018
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2018 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by 3-time Tony Award-winning director, Jack O'Brien.
*Sensory-friendly performance - Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11 a.m.
THE GLORIOUS SOUND OF CHRISTMAS
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
December 20 - 23, 2018
This is the holiday concert, combining treasured yuletide favorites with the brilliant virtuosity of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Many people look forward to this festive season highlight all year. (Maybe Bramwell Tovey isn't really Father Christmas, but are they ever seen in the same room together?) Make it your family tradition!
SALUTE TO VIENNA NEW YEAR'S CONCERT
Verizon Hall
December 29, 2018
Usher in the New Year with a glittery celebration of singing and dancing that will delight the senses. Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert recreates the beauty of Vienna's golden era and its elegance charms audiences of every age. An 18-year Philadelphia tradition, this year's concert will feature a brilliant new program of Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from beloved operettas performed by acclaimed European singers, champion ballroom dancers, ballet, and live symphony orchestra. The first effortless notes of the eternal Blue Danube Waltz will welcome you into a triumphant 2019!
NEW YEAR'S EVE
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
December 31, 2018
We can't think of a better way to ring in 2019. Join Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Fabulous Philadelphians, and get your New Year off to the perfect start!
NEW YEAR'S DAY CELEBRATION
Free at the Kimmel
Commonwealth Plaza
January 1, 2019, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Kimmel Center's highly anticipated annual New Year's Day Celebration returns for the 14th consecutive year! The Kimmel Center opens its door from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., providing a warm space filled with activities and performances, along with a birds-eye view of the famed Mummers Parade and free hot chocolate from Garces Events.
Bugs Bunny AT THE SYMPHONY II
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
January 4 - 6, 2019
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II celebrates the world's most beloved Looney Tunes and their legendary stars projected on the big screen-Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Pepe Le Pew, Tweety, Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote, and Road Runner-while their extraordinary original scores are played LIVE by The Philadelphia Orchestra. Conducted by George Daugherty, this new concert (and its predecessors Bugs Bunny on Broadway and Bugs Bunny at the Symphony) has delighted millions of concertgoers around the world, and spotlights acclaimed classics like What's Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, and Rhapsody Rabbit, alongside eye-popping brand new Warner Bros. 3D theatrical shorts Rabid Rider and Coyote Falls. Plus special guest stars Tom and Jerry!
LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. TOM AND JERRY and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.(s18)
THREE KINGS DAY
Free at the Kimmel
Commonwealth Plaza
January 6, 2019
The Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Cultural Center invite you to partake in one of the most widely-celebrated holidays among Hispanics and Latinos. Bring your family and join us for a reenactment of the story of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy an evening of activities, piñatas and a piece of traditional "Rosca de Reyes" bread, which will be the largest one ever made in Philadelphia! This event is free and open to the public.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883. See www.kimmelcenter.org for more information.
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