Antiques Shows______

Jan 1: Antiques & Collectibles Gala New Year’s Show, Glastonbury High School, Hubbard St, Glastonbury, 9 am-4:30 pm, adm $7, 130 dealers from New England & NY, antique lighting restoration available; 860-342-2540.

Jan 5-6: 53rd Papermania Plus, Hartford Civic Center, Asylum St, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $7, 160 exhibitors, free appraisals (Sun 11-2); 860-563-9975.

 

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

The Barn Gallery, 82 Route 37 (Creative Corners), New Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat. Call 746-4502.

Through Dec 29: “Small Works, Smaller Works & Miniatures,” holiday gift show & sale featuring works by Paula Renee, known for multi-media works in sizes ranging from 1 sq ft to nearly 100 sq ft, will present pcs of 3x4 inches to 12x14 inches in acrylic on paper & masonite, painted & dimensionally sculpted, plus collage, tapestries & woven paintings.

Barn Hill Studio & Gallery, Rte 110, Monroe. Hours: Fri-Sat 12-6. Call 268-4225.

Through Jan 5: “Through The Generations,” celebration of artistic family lineages – works by Julia Provey of Newtown plus her mother Lucy Sikes & grandfather Ben Durand, also works by Linda Dohanos of Monroe, her mother Florence Dohanos & her grandfather Stevan Dohanos.

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104.

Through Dec 31: “Celebrate The Season,” chronicle of evolution of the Christmas celebration during 19th Century incl how Christmas tree came to be part of developing “tradition” in American households & how Industrial Revolution impacted festivities of the holiday.

Permanent exhibitions: “Come One Come All: The Barnum Festival,” exhibit highlighting the history & significance of the festival as an event & an organization in constant operation since 1949 incl ballgowns, portraits of past Ringmasters, pins, posters & props, photos & other paraphernalia to reflect upon as symbols of community spirit & historical significance the festival has given to city of Bridgeport. “Grand Adventure: A Celebration of the American Spirit in Bridgeport,” permanent exhibit on museum’s 2nd floor provides in-depth exploration of Bridgeport’s 19th Century industrialization & urbanization w/ emphasis on P.T. Barnum’s role in the city’s growth; “P.T. Barnum: Bethel To Broadway To Bridgeport,” artifacts incl reproduction of Barnum’s Fejee Mermaid, souvenir pc of cake from Tom Thumb’s 1863 wedding & personal items from Barnum family; re-creation of library from Barnum’s first Bridgeport mansion Iranistan; “Baby Bridgeport,” preserved 6’8” 700-lb elephant, 2nd elephant born in captivity & 1st to be preserved; re-creation of drawing room from Harral-Wheeler mansion, considered one of most outstanding examples of Gothic Revival in America, ca 1847; “P.T. Barnum Presents the ‘Divine Jenny’ Lind,” artifacts from American tour of opera star reveals impact of Barnum-Lind collaboration on culture & society & Barnum’s promotional talents; 1,000-sq ft 3/4-inch scale model of five ring circus hand-carved by Meriden resident William Brinley w/ more than 3,000 miniature pcs; “General Tom Thumb,” original furniture, clothing & personal objects belonging to Barnum’s legendary protégé; and Pa-Ib, an Egyptian mummy documented by Egyptian priest as more than 2,500 yrs old.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through Dec 13: “Introduction to Digital Photography,” photos by Abigail Hungaski, Matt Hess, Matt Marini, Kaylee Perrone & Rachel Wiberg, who recently completed a class led by Newtown Flagpole Photographers Club member photographers Anne Eigen & Jim Talarino.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Call 203-869-0376.

Through Jan 6: “Contemporary and Cutting Edge: Pleasures of Collecting, Part III,” work from 1960 to present offers approx 40 works by major artists of late 20th & 21st centuries, each representative of & important to the artist’s oeuvre incl Twombly, Ruscha, Dine, Beecroft, Day, Mueck, et al.

Through Feb 24: “A Taste For Chocolate,” the natural & artistic history of chocolate, which has been consumed worldwide as confection & beverage but also traded as currency, given yearly as token of enduring love, & inspires passion bordering on obsession & addiction.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-334-7748.

Through Jan 5: “Mini Masterpieces III,” small works for gift giving, all priced $200 or less.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury.

Call 778-8337.

Permanent exhibitions on railroad history (museum is along old New Haven RR line & housed in former Danbury station & railyard), also original & restored rolling stock incl a New Haven RR Mack FCD railbus, Alco RS-1 diesel locomotive, fully operating turntable, etc.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Hours: Tues-Wed 10 am-8 pm, Thurs 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 261-0134.

Through Jan 10: “Reverse Glass Paintings by Milton Bond & Sue Bond,” collection of rare art form by father & daughter who have done commissioned works & have had their pcs shown around the world in major museums & collections.

Fairfield Arts Council, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, Sat 1-4 pm. Call 203-319-1419.

Through Dec 19: “Transported,” photographs by David Lubarsky & E. Fitz Smith.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Wed-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

*(new show) Through Jan 27: works by abstract painter Susan Monserud & collage artist Erica Harris; Dec 15, opening reception, 4-6 pm.

Good News Café & Gallery, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon & Wed-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm. Call 203-266-4663.

Through Jan 8: “Wild,” paintings by Ridgefield painter & Newtown ceramic artist Marcia Taylor, who recently realized their artistic paths & materials parallel & complement each other.

Through Jan 8: “Roosters!,” recent works by Simsbury painter Susan Prentice featuring full-figure & profile views of a wide diversity of barnyard royalty.

Gregory James Gallery, 13 Main St (on the green), New Milford. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun & eves by appt. Call 860-354-3436.

Through Jan 13: “Small Treasures & More,” annual group exhibit offers 50+ works by Thomas Adkins, James Coe, Rick Daskam, Ralph Della-Volpe, Robert Ferrucci, Joseph Greico, Sonja Grineva, Woldemar Neufeld, Bill Rice, Dennis Stuart, et al.

Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green. Hours: Thurs-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 860-868-7756.

Through Jan 1: “55 Years of Washington Art Association,” photos, documents, words, memories & art examine the history of Washington Art Assn.

Housatonic Museum of Art/Burt Chernow Galleries at Housatonic Community College, 90 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm (until 7 on Thurs), Sat 9 am-3 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm.

Call 203-332-5000.

Through Dec 21: “Lineal Investigations,” works by Bridgeport artist Paul Kaiser, Manchester artist David Borawski, Susan Shutan of Hamden, Jane Miller of Guilford & Glenn LaVertu, all pushing the boundaries of drawing.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Call 860-868-0518.

Through Dec 31: “The Venture Smith Site: Home of an 18th Century African Prince, Ex-Captive & Free Black American Merchant-Farmer,” collection of domestic, farming & mariner artifacts from recent excavations of Smith’s homestead (done under direction of IAIS’s Dr Lucienne Lavin) along w/ 3,000 yr old stone tools & pottery from an earlier Native American occupation of same property, offers preview of upcoming, more extensive exhibit being planned to focus on archaeology site & slavery in CT.

Through Dec 31: “Harmony In Play: Games and Toys of Native  toys that brought people of all ages together, taught cooperation, strengthened mind, Bond & spirit, and also served the sacred purpose of sending a message of thanks to the Creator.

Through Dec 31: “All Across America: Adaptation, Ingenuity and Artistry,” cultural items incl pottery, beadwork, textiles & basketry illustrating the adaptation, ingenuity & creativity of North American tribes as they began to embrace new materials of European settlers incl cotton, glass, beads & metal.

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-865-0400.

Through Dec 31: “Annual Christmas Tree Festival,” trees covered w/ ornaments & decorations all made by local schoolchildren.

Through Feb 3: “A Christmas Journey Around Italy,” 17 Italian crèches, ranging from 2 ft wide to more than 13 ft wide by 11½ ft deep, from through Italy (incl Rome, Venice, Naples, Sicily & the Alps), from a region w/ reputation as creating finest Nativity scenes in Italy.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Jan 21: “Festival of Lighthouses,” sixth annual presentation of 24 model lighthouses decorated for the holidays by local artists & amateurs, visitors invited to vote for Viewers’ Favorite.

Morrison Gallery, Kent Village Barns, 8 Old Barn Rd (near Rte 7 at Rte 341), Kent. Hours: Wed-Sat 10:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 1-4 pm. Call 860-927-4501.

Through Dec 30: recent works by landscape painter Wolf Kahn, including recent additions to exhibition as dates of show extended.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Call 203-432-5050.

Through Dec 31: “Dinosaurs, Mammals & Forests Primeval: Celebrating the Great Zallinger Murals at Yale,” memorabilia related to the monumental murals at Peabody museum – 110-ft long “The Age of Reptiles” (created in 1947) & “The Age of Mammals” (1967) – created by Rudolph F. Zallinger, incl first dinosaur toys & other products reproducing vivid images of ancient animals, preliminary drawings & paintings for murals, archival memorabilia, photos of Mr Zallinger at work & much more.

Through Feb 24: “Seeing Wonders: The Nature of Fly Fishing,” comprehensive overview of the history & techniques of fly fishing & fly tying, also displays of historic & celebrity rods, reels & entomology, supplemented w/ specimens from museum’s vertebrate zoology collections.

Savage Studio, 68 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. Hours: Fri-Sun 12-6 pm. Call 743-3000.

Through Dec 23: “Holiday Show & Sale,” ceramic art of Phyllis Savage incl latest wood fired & glazed work & many selected items perfect for holiday gift giving or keeping.

Sculpture Barn (formerly Boyajian’s Sculpture Barn), 3 Milltown Rd (at Rte 39), New Fairfield. Winter hours: Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm & by appt. Call 746-6101.

Through Dec 23: “Member Artist Winter Show & Sale,” small & contemporary works created on site in steel, stainless steel, bronze & wood, also small collages, pastel prints & other original works on paper.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-9700.

Through Dec 22: “Artrageous Gifts Holiday Show & Sale,” works created by students & faculty of Silvermine School of Art incl ceramics, paintings, prints, sculpture, photography & wearable art incl jewelry, scarves, felt hats & handbags.

Through Dec 22: “Director’s Choice: Miggs Burroughs – Signs of Life,” works by New Yorker cartoonist Burroughs, who uses lenticular imagery to convey the illusion of 3D and/or motion.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Burlingham Visitor Center Hours: Jan-Feb center is closed, March-April open Thurs-Sun 10 am-4 pm, May-Oct open Wed-Sun 9 am-5 pm, Nov-Dec open Thurs-Sun 10 am-4 pm. **Grounds are always open dawn through dusk. Call 203-761-9945, 203-834-1896.

Through Dec 31: “On Sight: Watercolors by Truman Seymour,” rare presentation of work by master watercolor artist (who married Julian Alden Weir’s half-sister Louisa) who produced major body of work during retirement in Europe.

White Silo Farm & Winery, 32 Rte 37 East, Sherman. Hours: Fri-Sun 11 am-6 pm. Call 860-355-0271.

Through Dec 16: “Quilts for Your Walls,” works by members of The Nutmeg Quilters Guild (incl Robin Thompson of Newtown), also showcase of works by Nutmeg’s sister guild, Kagoshima Quilters Assn in Kagoshima, Japan.

Wisdom House/Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, 229 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-567-3163.

Through Dec 29: “The Spirit Within Me,” folk art by Norell Gudaitis of Opelika, Ala., who began painting at age 74.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.

Through Dec 30: “Art & Emancipation in Jamaica: Isaac Mandes Belisario and His Worlds,” commemoration of bicentenary of abolition of British slave trade offers works depicting life on Jamaican sugar plantations, slavery & the Jamaican landscape from start of British rule in 1655 to aftermath of emancipation in 1840s, special feature incl “Sketches of Character” lithograph series by Isaac Mendes Belisario depicting Afro-Jamaican masquerade performed by slaves during Christmas & New Year; Dec 16, exhibition tour, 2 pm; Dec 30, exhibition tour, 2 pm.

Through Dec 30: “Jem Southam: Upton Pyne,” chronicle of six years of life of an unprepossessing pond near the Exeter, Devon, home of photographer Jem Southan through 21 large format images; Dec 15, exhibition tour, noon; Dec 20, exhibition tour, 11 am; Dec 29, exhibition tour, noon.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Connecticut Master Chorale, rehearsals at South Britain Congregational Church parish hall, Rte 172 at East Flat Hill Rd, South Britain. Call 775-2602.

Jan 8: Rehearsals begin for new season, appointments for auditions being made now, openings in alto & bass sections, chorale has 2008 concerts planned for March 9 & May 17, both at St Rose of Lima in Newtown, director is Tina Johns, visit CMChorale.org for details or contact Ms Johns at phone # above for audition appt.

Kent Film Festival, PO Box 846, Kent CT 06757. Visit KentFilmFestival.org.

Jan 15: Deadline for entries for consideration for 3rd Annual Kent Film Festival, narrative, documentary, animated short or feature films accepted, festival to run March 27-30, entries must be in DVD format & labeled (3 copies of each entry needed; see website for label details) & accompanied by entry form, clearances must be done by filmmaker, all work original, non-refundable entry fee $25 for shorts, $35 features, student rates $18 & $28, no films returned, accepted filmmakers notified by end of Jan, visit website for full details.

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4284.

Dec 14-15: Non-Equity auditions for Phenomenon of Decline, 7:30-10:30 each night, callbacks Dec 17 7:30-11 pm, walks-ins to be accommodated by appts strongly suggested, bring current resume & headshot, director will be Tyler Green, new play by Joe Tracz has openings for male in late 20s & 4 females (to play ages 18-22, mid-20s, early 30s & early 20s), performances to be April 25-26 & maybe April 27, visit LongWharf.org for addt’l info, contact Meghan Kane (203-787-4284 x299 or Meghan.Kane@LongWharf.org) to make audition appt.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Dec 14: Performance of Messiah by Danbury Concert Chorus & Danbury Chamber Orchestra, at St Peter Church, 104 Main St, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free (doors open 6:30, popular event fills early) performance of Handel’s oratorio will also feature guests Maxim Vladimiroff on continuo & Stephan Roberts on Great Organ; 748-1716.

Dec 15: A Very Victorian Christmas, at Naugatuck Historical Society Museum, 195 Water St, Naugatuck, 7 pm, $2 (free for museum members), performance by Pinebrook Ringers & Ambassadors of Christ Choir will incl traditional holiday carols w/ singers in Victorian costumes, refreshments to follow; 203-729-9039.

Dec 15: Doug Hartline & Friends: A Benefit Concert, Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury, 7:30 pm, tickets $12, Christmas concert will feature acoustic & electric guitarist Doug Hartline w/ keyboardist Nick Bariluk, flute & sax player Gary Blu, bassist Wayne Zito, drummer/percussionist & special guest dancer Diane Fried, proceeds & donated non-perishable goods to benefit Community Action Committee of Danbury (CACD) food pantry; 744-2337.

Dec 15: Candlelight Christmas Caroling, Lourdes in Litchfield, Rte 118, Litchfield, 7 pm, cookies & hot chocolate to follow; 860-567-1041.

Dec 15-16: The Nutcracker, at Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, curtain 8 pm, tickets $15-$25, holiday classic presented by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance will feature Miami City Ballet dancer Alexander Dutko; 203-438-5795.

Dec 16: 18th annual Cantata Choir Christmas Concert, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 25 Great Hill Rd, Oxford, 2 pm, free adm (freewill donations accepted), performance by 50-voice adult & children’s choir will incl Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah w/ solos & choruses, also songs of the season, reception to follow; 203-888-4713.

Dec 16: Hanukkah concert by Mark Levy (rescheduled from Dec 2), Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus, 444 Main St North, Southbury, 2 pm, adm $5 adults, free ages 6 & under, performance by San Francisco-based singer will incl holiday songs in Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew & English; 267-3177.

Dec 22-23: 19th annual Main Street Theater Nutcracker, at Pomperaug High School, 234 Judd Rd, Southbury, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 senior citizens & ages 18 & under, full production will feature former Boston Ballet dancer Todd Hall as Cavalier, et al; 264-4364.

Dec 28: Seventh Annual Holiday Concert by Concert Society Chamber Orchestra, Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $30 (must be purchased or reserved in advance), Richard Serbagi will conduct orchestra w/ guest soprano Maria Ferrante, pianist Graciela Arguedas, also Newtown High School Singers, reception to follow; 426-6470.

Dec 28: Kathleen Kruze & Friends at The Bridge, 5D Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury, 8-10 pm, sugg donation $10, performance of original jazz & blues compositions by Ms Kruze, w/ special guest Ali Ryerson on jazz flute, et al, will double as CD release celebration for Ms Kruze’s new album; 702-7011.

Ives Concert Hall at Western CT State University, White Hall, Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.

Free concerts, 8 pm unless noted: Dec 14-15, 13th annual production of GianCarlo Menotti’s Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera, Fri 8 pm, Sat 3 pm, tickets $12 adults, $8 seniors, non-WCSU students & children ages 12 & under; Dec 16, Annual WCSU Holiday Jazz Concert, performance 3 pm, performances by award-winning Frankensax, WCSU Jazz Ensemble & WCSU Jazz Orchestra, program to incl traditional big band jazz standards & holiday classics.

Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010, 877-ARTS-396 (877-278-7396).

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 15, “Jingle n’ Jazz,” starts 7:30 pm, tickets $35 & $40, holiday concert by New Haven Symphony Orchestra, under Associate Conductor Gerald Steichen will incl special guests The Janes & The Elm City Girls’ Choir, program to incl familiar & ancient carols & Christmas jazz.

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 15-16, The Nutcracker, Sat 2 & 6 pm, Sun 2 pm, performance by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance will feature Alexander Dutko (Miami City Ballet), tickets $25, $12 ages 12 & under; Dec 21, The Alternate Routes, $30.

Films _________________

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown.

Call 426-4533.

Searching For Shakespeare, screenings 2 pm: Dec 26, 10 Things I Hate About You; Dec 27, She’s the Man; Dec 28, Shakespeare in Love.

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm & most Monday holidays (call ahead). Call 203-372-3521.

Planetarium shows: One Small Step and Larry – Cat in Space, call museum for screenings schedule.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-2475.

Dec 14-20: 3:10 To Yuma (R), Fri-Sat 7 & 9:10 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Jan 17: The Alps, Mon-Fri 11 am, 1 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, 1, 3 & 4 pm; The Polar Express, call for show times; Tropical Rainforest, daily 12 & 2 pm.

Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St, New Haven. Call 203-432-8842.

The Harder They Come – The Modern Caribbean Experience, free screenings, 2 pm: Dec 14, Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind (2001).

For Kids & Families _________

Through Dec 16: Winter Festival at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, Sat-Sun 12-3 pm, adm (incl visits inside zoo) $9 adults, $7 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under & zoo members, visit animals while they’re more active & crowds tend to be smaller, also crafts programs, special talks & other surprises, gift shopping; 203-394-6565.

Through Dec 22: Santa Trains, Danbury Railway Museum, 180 White St, Danbury, Sat-Sun 12-4 pm, $9 adults, $7 ages 2-13, take vintage train rides to Santa’s special coach to meet Santa, Mrs Claus & some of their elves, small gift for each child, children’s activities, gift shop; 778-8337.

Through Dec 23: Santa on the Trolley, Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St, East Haven, Sat-Sun 10:30 am-5 pm, $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 agtes 2-15, visitors invited to ride cozy, heated trolleys to visit Santa & see model train layouts, each child receives a gift, refreshments, unlimited rides; 203-467-6927.

Through Dec 30: Auntie Claus, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $14, performance by DCT Children’s Theatre follows Christmas w/ the Kringle family as little Sophie takes a holiday adventure while following her eccentric aunt to “the most magical place of all”;

203-576-1636.

Dec 15: Family Drop-In Hours, Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 12-4:30 pm, $7 adults, $4 seniors & college students, free age 18 & under, ongoing self-guided hands-on activities (children must be accompanied) will extend understanding of current exhibitions; 203-438-4519.

Dec 15: “The Snow Story: A Patty’s Place Extravaganza,” performance by CT Family Theatre at Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, 2 pm (performance also scheduled for Dec 22, same time), tickets $18 adults, $12 students, $10 ages 10 & under, group discounts available, monthly series will continue w/ performance of interactive holiday adventure for families & children that tells story of misadventures of Stage Door Pops, Milton Mushworth & Dancin’ Danny as they try to find the holiday spirit; 203-371-7908.

Dec 15: “Holiday Enchantment” at LaMar Productions, Western CT State University Berkshire Theatre, Osborne St, Danbury, 2 pm, adm $7.50; 778-3344.

Dec 16: Santa & Mrs Claus at The Golden Age of Trucking Museum, 1101 Southford Rd/Rte 188, Middbury, 1-3 pm, adm $8 adults, $7 senior citizens, $5 ages 2-16, $20 max/family, free for members, visit w/ Santa & Mrs Claus (who will arrive at 1 in their antique trick),

photos & goodies for each child, also holiday crafts, live piano music & Dimples the Clown; 203-577-2181.

Dec 20: Rudolph’s Reindeer Romp, McLevy Green, Main at State St, Bridgeport, 5-7 pm, free family event will have fun, goodies, prizes & a visit from Rudolph, presented by CT’s Beardsley Zoo; 203-394-6565.

Dec 22: “The Snow Story: A Patty’s Place Extravaganza,” performance by CT Family Theatre at Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $12 students, $10 ages 10 & under, group discounts available, monthly series will continue w/ performance of interactive holiday adventure for families & children that tells story of misadventures of Stage Door Pops, Milton Mushworth & Dancin’ Danny as they try to find the holiday spirit; 203-371-7908.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533 (children’s dept 426-3851).

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Dec 15, Gingerbread House Workshop, 3 pm, $3 materials fee due at sign-up (must be done in person, in the children’s dept), decorate your own already-made graham cracker house for the holidays.

 

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Dec 16: CT Clay Artists Holiday Sale, 3 Sugar Hollow Rd (the former Ruben’s Store, between Marcus Dairy & Pier 1), Danbury, Sat-Sun 10 am-4 pm, work by 12 professional artists who work in clay incl wheel thrown & handbuilt, functional & decorative stoneware, earthenware, raku & porcelain.

Dec 22: Christmas Singles Dance Party, Colonial Tavern, off Rte 67, Oxford, 8 pm-12:30 am, adm $20 incl buffet dinner & dessert buffet, also dancing (mix of Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests to DJ), “dress to impress,” no jeans; 203-468-1144.

Through Dec 31: Annual Fantasy of Lights, Lighthouse Park, Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, Sun-Thurs 5-9 pm, Fri-Sat 5-10 pm, $10 vehicles, $25 mini-bus, $50 bus, drive through an enchanting land of sparkling lights & holiday light displays, a treat for children of all ages;

203-777-2000.

Through Jan 16: Annual Festival of Lighthouses, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St, Norwalk, daily 10 am-5 pm, adm $11 adults, $10 seniors, $9 ages 2-12 (incl admission to full aquarium), 6th annual presentation of illuminated & decorated miniature lighthouses built by regional artists & crafters who use all manner of materials incl wood, medal, stone, wire, plastic, glass, paper, string, clay, candy, gingerbread & more; 203-852-0700.

Dec 17-21: WCSU telescope viewings, Western CT State University Westside Observatory, westside campus (off Lake Ave), Danbury, 6-8 pm, free nightly viewings of Mars & moon; 837-8672.

Dec 31: First Night Danbury, CityCenter, area of White St, Patriot Dr & Ives St (near city green), Danbury, 5 pm-midnight, music, dancing, children’s entertainment & more; 792-1711.

Dec 31: First Night Bridgeport, downtown Bridgeport, 4 pm-midnight, $7 adults, $1 ages 12 & under, New Year’s celebration of the arts w/ dozens of performances at multiple locations, many choices & fun for entire family;

203-522-0224.

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, River Rd, Southbury. Call (Tues-Fri 9 am-3 pm) 800-368-8954.

Seasonal: Observation area open Dec 26 to March 12 only, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required (reservations line now open).

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at Fairfield Theatre Company, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield (call 203-259-1036), tickets $22 ($17 FTC members) unless noted, showtime 8:30: Dec 29, Rich Ramirez, Moody McCarthy & Johnny Rizzo.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 15, Lord Carrett headlining, Bill Keller & Eric Rivera opening; Dec 22, Greg Vaccarello headlining, Leighanne Lord & Matt Christmas opening; Dec 27, evening w/ Bob Nelson, showtime 7 pm, tickets $19.50; Dec 31, Laugh-In 2008 featuring RC Smith & Coach Tom Whitely, dinner seatings available (8, 8:15 & 8:30 pm), tickets (call for prices) incl show at 10 pm, midnight champagne toast & balloon drop, dancing to follow.

Shows at Ocean Grille, 464 Boston Post Rd, Orange (call 203-795-4588), show at 10 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 14, Lord Carrett, Bill Keller & Johnny Benson; Dec 21, Greg Vaccarello, Leighanne Lord & Matt Christmas; Dec 27, Bob Nelson, showtime 9 pm, tickets $19.50.

Theatre ______________

Dec 14: Staged reading of Korczak’s Children, Naugatuck Valley Community College Playbox Theatre, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 7 pm, sugg donation $5, special collaboration between NVCC New Zenith Theatre & Waterbury Arts Magnet School will offer 25 actors presenting playwright Jeffrey Hatcher’s work based on true historical events & characters from circa WWII Warsaw orphanage Jewish Ghetto, suitable for ages 11 & up; 203-575-8038.

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford.

Call 860-527-5151.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas, through Dec 29, curtain Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, also Tues-Wed 7:30 pm (through Dec 26, no shows Dec 25), also Thurs 7:30 (Dec 20 & 27), plus special Christmas Eve mat 2 pm, tickets $27-$64, discounts for ages 12 & under.

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

Black Nativity, through Dec 16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, tickets $47-$62.

On Stage II: The Santaland Diaries, through Dec 23, curtain Tues-Wed & Sun 7 pm, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $32-$62, group rates available; Dec 18, Audience Exchange, post-performance program w/ members of acting company & artistic staff; Dec 20, Backstage With… 7 pm, pre-show program by Long Wharf’s technical staff will provide inside look at technical tricks & the construction of this production; Dec 22, Pre-Play Introduction, 2 pm, Long Wharf’s artistic staff will share secrets & challenges of the creative process of Santaland Diaries.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

The Philadelphia Story, through Dec 29, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 16) 2 pm, tickets $20; Dec 31, Gala New Year’s Eve performance, tickets $35, hors d’oeuvres & open bar (beer, wine & soft drinks).

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court (off Rte 1), Westport. Call 203-227-4177.

A Christmas Carol, through Dec 29, curtain Wed-Fri 7 pm, Sat-Sun 5:30 pm, mat Thurs 2 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm, tickets $25-$48, group discounts available; Dec 24, special Christmas Eve performance, 11 am.

 

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.

 

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.