Theater Works Offers Three Ways to Celebrate Holidays This December

Theater Works is offering three ways to enjoy the Holidays with three different shows throughout December kicking off Saturday, December 3, 2016. A family musical with a story of giving, a soulful mix of Holiday music and a talent-filled cabaret come together for three weeks of holiday music. The Quiltmaker's Gift, Soul of Broadway Holiday and Santa's Helpers will be on stage in repertory through December 18. 2016 on the Gyder Stage at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. "We've got a lot of talent on this stage, and the holiday repertory shows are no exception," Artistic Director Chris Hamby says. "There is something for everyone at Theater Works."

Based on the book by John Brumbeau, The Quiltmaker's Gift tells the story of a greedy King and a generous Quiltmaker who teaches him that giving is the gift. Celebrating the values of generosity and community, this charming musical is enjoyable for all ages. The book was adapted by Alan J. Prewitt, music by Craig Bohmler and lyrics by Steven Mark Kohn. The original creative team around the first year's production returns to Theater Works' final production of The Quiltmaker's Gift. Rusty Ferracane is returning as Director, Craig Bohmler is Music Director and Cydney Trent returns as Choreographer. The cast consists of nine talented actors: Josh Vern as the King, Barbara McBain as the Quitmaker, Peter Cunniff as the Old Man, Ellie Kunnari and Gwendolyn Craw as the Child and Deserae McCall, Alexia Lorch, Colin Ross and Rob Allocca as the soldiers. "This is the final year we will be performing The Quiltmaker's Gift," says Hamby. "If you haven't seen it yet, or even if you have, it's a timeless story that holds a lot of meaning, especially during times of giving. This would be a great show for grandparents to take their grandkids to see." The Quiltmaker's Gift will be on stage Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm, Sunday, December 4 at 2:00pm andSaturday, December 10 at 3:00pm.

Seven actors come together to perform the Theater Works premiere of The Soul of Broadway Holiday. Led by Mitchell Vantrease and Chanel Bragg, actors and singers from around the Valley perform some of your favorite holiday and Christmas tunes with a soulful twist. Last year the African-American troupe's show, Soul of Broadway, won an AriZoni Theater of Excellence Award. "We're excited to share some our favorite Christmas classics with everyone that we hope will inspire during the holiday season," Bragg said. The Soul of Broadway Holiday performances are Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 10 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00pm.

The Holiday lineup concludes with Santa's Helpers: A Holiday Cabaret December 16 - 18, 2016. Talent powerhouses Craig Bohmler, Rusty Ferracane and Kristen Drathman perform holiday favorites like Walking in a Winter Wonderland, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year andSilent Night along with a few new songs that capture the spirit of the Holidays. Santa's Helpers: A Holiday Cabaret take place Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 17 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 18 at 2:00pm.

Tickets are now on sale. Regular price ticket $38; discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Flex passes are also available. To purchase tickets or find out more about Theater Works Productions, contact the Box Office at (623) 815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

Theater Works at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is entering its 31st season of providing exceptional theater to the West Valley. Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for children, patrons and artists to experience theater that inspires, enriches and enlightens through the experience of the performing arts. Theater Works acts as The Managing tenant for the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts which features more than 200 events a year including: live theater, classical concerts, jazz, popular music, dance, comedy, cultural events, festivals, youth and adult education classes and much more. For more information, call 623.815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

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