Holiday/Patriotic Celebrations

An Old-Fashioned Yuletide Celebration with Charles Dickens, Scrooge & “A Christmas Carol”!

Charles Dickens was one of 19th century England’s greatest and most popular novelists, and even in our own time he remains universally regarded as “The Man who Invented Christmas.’ To many, his literary characters are as real today as the day they were written, especially Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Dickens’ own life was a true tale of rags-to-riches – from the shame of debt and humiliation to international literary success, wealth, and worldwide acclaim. Dr. Covington becomes the ‘Master of Holiday Mirth’ himself in this wonderful holiday program. (1st Person historical impersonation in period costume)

.

Home for The Holidays with André Rieu – The Agent of Holiday Happiness

Experience some old-fashioned yuletide cheer with the world-famous André Rieu at his own private castle in the heart of Europe!  Enjoy seasonal favorites in music, song, and dance, and learn more about the maestro and the man, and the magical world of music he so happily inhabits and successfully rules over as the ‘Modern Day Waltz King’!

Bing Crosby – “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”

A true classic, old-fashioned holiday program with Bing Crosby and friends.  Rediscover the delights of the holiday season with Irving Berlin’s song and dance-filled celebration of “White Christmas”. Bundle up and board the sleigh bound for the fabled holiday inn in snow-covered Vermont –
and let’s all dream of a White Christmas!

The Sound of Christmas with Julie Andrews & Friends

The stars shine especially bright in this truly entertaining holiday special program from Salzburg, Austria, with Julie Andrews,  joined by the voices and talents of Plácido Domingo, John Denver, and the world-famous Kings Singers.  The Sound of Christmas is a veritable visual and seasonal gem.

The Three Tenors Christmas

Celebrate the holidays with Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, and Placido Domingo – the Original Three Tenors

The Story of Handel’s Immortal Musical Masterpiece – “Messiah”

Handel’s “Messiah”has become one of musical history’s most famous and enduring compositions – a masterpiece of the highest caliber – containing one of the world’s best known choral excerpts, “The Hallelujah Chorus”.

A Holiday Tribute to Tchaikovsky & His Timeless Nutcracker Ballet

Learn more about the life and times of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the story of his world-famous “Nutcracker Ballet”. Always a popular seasonal favorite, this program will include video excerpts from this beautiful and timeless work performed by the brilliant Bolshoi Ballet Company.

A Happy & Light, Fireside-Bright History of Christmas in America

An englightening program about the history of Christmas in America.

André Rieu – New Year’s in Vienna!

What could be more magical than André Rieu and his world-famous orchestra performing before a live audience in beautiful Vienna – the birthplace of the waltz!  Learn more about the life and dreams of ‘Maestro André’ himself, while welcoming in the New Year with the beautiful melodies of Johann Strauss and others – all performed by André Rieu, ‘the modern-day Waltz King’, and his happy go lucky orchestra!

.

Shakespeare in Love – A Celebration in Poetry, Prose, Music & Dance

“O! for a muse of fire, that would ascend / the brightest heaven of invention; / A kingdom for a stage, princes to act / and monarchs to behold the swelling scene.” 

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. Experience the beauty, power, and passion of his poetry and prose in this program which includes romantic and captivating excerpts from some of his most famous love sonnets and plays. A tour-de-force presentation, beautifully read and performed in full Renaissance costume with visually stunning period music.

.

The Romantic Spirit in English Poetry & Prose

A superb study of the poets of the English Romantic Age faturing selections from the works of Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Keats, and Shelley. This highly enlightening and entertaining program is a perfect introduction to the Romantic movement of the early 19th century. The Romantic poets rebelled against all that was conventional in their day. They embraced the fanciful, the picturesque, the beautiful, and the passionate.  Beautifully read and performed in full Regency period costume.

A Valentine’s Day Encounter with Lord Byron – The Prince of Romantic Poets

The life story of this most famous of English romantics reads like a script from the latest Hollywood blockbuster, teeming with talent and sensuality.  The very term ‘Byronic’ has come to symbolize the brilliant, yet self-destructive artist as anti-hero.  Experience the beauty, power and passion of his poetry and prose as we travel from the courts of Regency England through the age of revolution, adventure, and romance.  Come feel the passion... (1st Person historical impersonation in period costume)

 A Valentine’s Day in Paris with Maurice Chevalier – The Prince of Romance

Maurice Chevalier – the beloved boulevardier, the international Frenchman, the troubadour who remains the symbol of all that is romantic, carefree and debonair!  This is his story – born long ago between a kiss and a song…

“A Fine Romance” with Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers

The famous dancing duo of Fred and Ginger have come to define style, dance, and romance for millions of fans the world over. Celebrate love and romance in this spectacular song and dance-filled presentation that’s sure to make you smile and set your ‘toes a-tappin’ to the classics that last.

‘Cupid, Candy, Champagne & Roses’ – A Valentine’s Day Celebration with André Rieu

The spirit of romance returns as we celebrate an extra-special Valentine’s Day – filled with Cupid, candy, champagne, and roses.  So lift your glasses to love, the waltz, and the rose – and best of all, the music of André Rieu – the Agent of Valentine’s Day Happiness!

Shillelaghs, Shamrocks & Leprechauns – The History of St. Patrick’s Day in Legend, Story & Song

Shamrocks, shillelaghs, green beer, parades and leprechauns – these are some of the many symbols that remind us of the rich history and traditions of St. Patrick’s Day.  Who was St. Patrick?  And what is this early spring holiday all about?  Hear the colorful stories, legends, and historical facts behind one of the year’s most magical holidays, all set to the music and poetry of the ‘Emerald Isle’.

Live from Dublin –  A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Bing Crosby and Friends

Travel back to Ireland in this song and dance-filled tribute to St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish.  Bing Crosby, who enjoyed tremendous success with his many recordings of Irish melodies, is joined in the St. Patrick’s Day fun by a host of other singers, dancers, and musicians from the storied ‘Emerald Isle’!

A Salute to St. Patrick’s Day in Poetry, Legend, Music & Prose with W. B. Yeats – Ireland’s Greatest Poet

William Butler Yeats was one of the most distinguished Irish poets and playwrights of all time. He helped revive an interest in Ireland’s history, legend, and lore, and founded the world-famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin. His story is presented in the 1st person and period costume, with dramatic readings from Yeats most famous and immortal poems.

An Easter Parade Extravaganza with Fred Astaire & Judy Garland

This Easter time, come on out and enjoy the season, as we join Fred Astaire and Judy Garland strolling down New York’s legendary Fifth Avenue to the timeless music of Irving Berlin’s “Easter Parade.”  To be sure, this Easter’s basket is guaranteed to be full to overflowing with storytelling, style, dash, and panache – and plenty of song and dance – we we welcome the arrival of Easter, spring, and seasonal romance!

The Ghost of Edgar Allan Poe

The haunting poems and chilling stories of Edgar Allan Poe established him as the master of the macabre, and his detective fiction is credited with launching the genre. But behind his popularity and artistic success was a  personal life defined by a melancholy nature that made his own life as tragic as one of his strange tales. Dramatic readings of Poe’s work underscore his devastation due to the illness and loss of his wife Virginia, among other  struggles and losses of his life. (1st Person historical impersonation in period costume)

Robert Louis Stevenson and “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”

Robert Louis Stevenson’s world-famous thriller explores the eternal battle between good and evil. Kindly, respected Dr. Henry Jekyll is convinced that all people have two personalities lurking within them.  Can Dr. Jekyll overcome Mr. Hyde? Or will he become Hyde’s next victim? (1st Person historical impersonation in period costume)

Patriotic Holidays

“Moonlight Serenade” – A Memorial Day Salute to Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

During WWII, it was said that ‘next to a letter from home, listening to the music of Glenn Miller and his Army Air Force Band, was the best morale booster an American GI could get.’  And indeed it was.  March along down memory lane for a music-filled and patriotic salute to Glenn Miller, the WWII-era, and America’s Greatest Generation.

Frances Langford – Sweetheart of the Fighting Fronts

Frances Langford, singer and entertainer during the big band era, serenaded thousands of servicemen on the fighting fronts with the Bob Hope tours.

.

Fireworks, Picnics, Parades & Flags – The Story of America’s Fourth of July in History, Symbols, Music, Song & Dance

The American Eagle, ‘Old Glory’, spectacular fireworks, parades, picnics, and ‘Uncle Sam’- all these familiar symbols make us think of the Fourth of July and our nation’s exciting history.  This program gives fascinating details about this holiday’s customs that will intrigue and surprise you. Join the celebration of this uniquely American holiday – the freedom that it celebrates gives hope to people all over the world to this very day.

.

“Stars & Stripes Forever” – John Philip Sousa – America’s Favorite March King

John Philip Sousa was the symbol of an era of American exceptionalism,and was known as the man who did one particular thing better than any other – he was to the patriotic march what Johann Strauss, Jr. was to the waltz. He stood alone among the first composers to tour the world with his own musical organization and was destined to become the most famous bandmaster in musical history. His band, which many say has never been surpassed, was a living legend, and even today it lives on in the form of the United States Marine Corps Band  –  ‘The President’s Own’.