by Jeanni Ritchie
First, a little English lesson: Theatre usually refers to stage productions while theater is generally reserved for movie screens.
I love them both! I once traveled nine hours just to catch a touring Broadway show. I print out movie releases a year at a time and schedule several on my calendar each month.
Here are a few recent and upcoming THEATER shows:
We Live in Time: Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh star in a dramatic 500 Days of Summer-type flick without the day disclaimer as the scenes change. Audiences must rely on hairstyles and clothes to determine what point in the couple’s timeline the events are happening. It’s A Walk to Remember all scrambled up. Out now.
Here: a rather odd Tom Hanks-Robin Wright film that got better as it went along. Almost like a time-hopping soap opera, it went back and forth between plot lines and characters with the unique concept of being told from the same living room over a century of life. Out now.
Hitpig: I hadn’t even heard of this animated flick when I needed to decompress one day. I decided to catch a triple flick with the last two movies and this one. It’s a typical kids’ film where the animated villain finds his inner heart of gold. Out now.
The Best Christmas Pageant: An incredible reimagining of the beloved children’s book. Stars Judy Greer (13 Going on 30) and Pete Holmes and introduces us to an adorable Molly Belle Wright. Great cast, classic story. Out now.
Red One: A new Christmas action film, Red One was designed as an annual series. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, and JK Simmons, I’m already looking forward to the sequel. Out now.
Wicked: Opening Nov. 22 and starring Ariana Grande, I’m looking forward to this movie. It’s one I haven’t seen on stage though I know all the music! By the time you read this, I will have seen the big screen version!
Moana 2: A follow-up to 2016’s Moana, Auliʻi Cravalho (Janis, Mean Girls 2024) returns as the titular voice. Opens November 27.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3: I have a young friend who is all about Sonic! Introducing me to Sonic’s superspeed, I became a fan. In the 3rd film, Sonic must join forces with nemesis Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to save the planet. Releases December 20.
A Complete Unknown: Timothee Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan alongside a grown-up Elle Fanning in this musical biopic. Releases Dec. 25.
Mufasa: The Lion King: The newest film in the franchise is a photorealistically animated tale, both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 remake showing us how an orphan cub becomes king. Releases Dec. 20.
I continue to be blown away by the local talent in THEATRE productions in Central Louisiana. I saw some great shows in November and look forward to even more in December. I’ve also included some holiday dance performances.
Lagniappe Theatre performed The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the weekend before the movie came out. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the stage version first. It was lively and energetic and reminded me why Lagniappe is one of my favorite theatres to visit in Cenla. For a special treat, visit over 30 characters at their BIBBIDI BOBBIDI CHRISTMAS BRUNCH Nov. 30 from 11AM – 1PM. Visit Lagniappetheatre.com for more info.
ASH Theatre performed Peter and the Starcatcher in November, a prequel to Peter Pan. With its large cast, the show was exciting. Check out their Christmas show on Dec. 5.
Pineville High School Theatre Dept. held their annual Rebel Reveal: Holiday Edition in November. The free showcase highlighted those in the theatre dept. with fun holiday performances. Stay tuned for Spring shows!
Red River Dance Theatre Company holds their annual Nutcracker performance Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 PM and Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 PM at Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 1202 3rd St, Alexandria. Timber Nichols, fresh off her performance in Bolton Academy’s Footloose, stars as the Nutcracker.
Peabody Magnet High School Music Dept. presents Warhorse Christmas December 18 at the PMHS Auditorium Dec. 18 at 10 AM & 6 PM. I remember this stage well- we had all of our community Junior Theatre performances here in the 80s!
Taking the Martin Performing Arts Center stage this holiday season over at LCU is the new theatre troupe, Quarterly Productions. LCU alumni Aaron Quartermont and Austin Tinsley’s debut show, Every Christmas Story Ever Told and then some, will be Dec. 12-14 at 7 PM. Be looking for a feature on this new troupe soon!
Northwestern State University’s Theatre and Dance Dept. presented 12 Angry Jurors in November and will present the 2024 Christmas Gala December 4-6. Visit their FB for links to tickets.
Steps by Stephanie will perform their annual Christmas recital at the Alexandria Mall on December 14 at 11 AM and 1 PM.
Sounds from A Tuba Christmas will grace the Alexandria Mall on Dec. 9 from 3-4 PM.
Pentecostals of Alexandria will host a free concert by Christian artist and The Voice Season 15 winner Jordan Smith on December 8 at 6 PM. Visit www.poa.church for more info.
While I don’t have individual school and church performances, if you have a child or grandchild in a production somewhere, GO! Time goes so fast and those special shows with your babies are limited. Don’t miss them!
Share your shows and photos here! Happy Holidays!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana who’s always looking for new shows! Send your show info to jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
